District 5 Commissioner, Michelle Clasen

About Commissioner Clasen

 Michelle Clasen was elected to the District 5 seat on the Washington County Board of Commissioners in 2022.

Commissioner Clasen brings more than 15 years of industry experience in public service and local government leadership, serving on boards and commissions, as well as seven years of professional experience in tort law. Her work is grounded in a commitment to practical, people-centered governance, with a focus on issues that affect residents’ daily lives—such as clean water, workforce development, mental health, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

An East Side St. Paul native and Johnson High school graduate. Commissioner Clasen holds a Master of Public Administration from Hamline University, and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal studies, and a minor in Sociology from Winona State University. She is a certified municipal city clerk. Since moving to Woodbury in 2005, she has been deeply engaged in the community as a school volunteer, youth soccer coach, Rotary and BNI member, and advocate for small and locally owned businesses.

In addition to her public service, Commissioner Clasen is the owner of Butterfly Recruiting, a boutique recruiting firm serving local businesses. She is married and is a parent and step parent. She is a lifelong community builder who believes transparency, equity and integrity are essential to effective local government.