Ready to Work for Dubuque County
I'm a small business owner, community builder, mom and wife.
I love Dubuque County and want to bring my passion for living, working, and raising a family here to serve you as Dubuque County Supervisor.
I grew up in Sageville and Southern Dubuque County, and attended Dubuque public schools before moving away for college and to start my career. I moved back to Dubuque with my husband Kevin in 2009, and we welcomed our twins shortly after.
I spent more than a decade working at Northeast Iowa Community College and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, in roles focused on funding, developing, and promoting education and training programs and implementing a comprehensive community workforce recruitment and retention model. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to help make Dubuque a permanent home for students, workers, families, and returners.
Since 2021, along with my brother, I have led Painted Sky Designs, a wholesale and retail outdoor furniture company co-founded by my parents, experiencing the challenges and rewards of being a small business owner.
I volunteer on the boards of Dubuque Initiatives, Dubuque Museum of Art, and the Dubuque Senior Educational Foundation. I also continue to work with newcomers to the region through the Distinctively Dubuque and community tours programs.
Kristin’s Priorities for Dubuque County
PEOPLE
I believe county government has a direct and meaningful impact on people’s daily lives—and if we focus on safety, health, economic development, and community building, that impact is tangible and long-lasting.
PARTNERSHIPS
Dubuque County has always worked best when the public and private sectors collaborate to achieve a shared vision and when community leaders choose partnership over competition and grandstanding. Through cooperative problem-solving, we can unlock efficiencies, maximize resources, and create mutual benefits for all.
PLANNING
I am confident the county can manage long-term fiscal responsibility while remaining agile enough to respond to emerging or unexpected needs. We shouldn't have to choose between stability and flexibility—we can achieve both.
PLACES
Dubuque county’s outdoor recreational opportunities, natural beauty, unique communities, and arts and cultural amenities are an enormous competitive advantage. By investing in and promoting these assets, we can elevate the quality of life for residents, while also strengthening workforce recruitment and retention to secure our future growth.