Wale Elegbede: One community together! I ask for your vote in Olmsted County District 7

My name is Wale Elegbede and I’m running for Olmsted County Commissioner for District 7. Come November 3rd, we have a unique opportunity in our community to do something different. We have an opportunity to elect a highly qualified person who is a community, business and strategic leader with solid years of proven experience. We also have an opportunity to change the County Board of Commissioners makeup for the first time in our history, from a mono-cultural board, to a board that has a strong diverse leader who will bring a different perspective and help us respond to growth and change.

From day one, my campaign has consistently been a positive one. I’m not running against someone but instead running for something. I’m running for all of us! My goal is to make Olmsted County a great place for everyone to live and work and believe we are best when we are one community working together.

 I am an American immigrant of Nigerian descent, and love, curiosity, and purpose fueled my journey as a first-generation immigrant at the age of 21. It certainly was not easy. I had no access to financial aid or student loans and paid my way through college which involved a lot of sacrifice, hard work, persistence and some luck. I have experienced death, pain, desperation, hopelessness and failure. I have experienced hunger and at one point in my life, I literally didn't even have a single grain of rice to eat, and a relative had to UPS me food from Houston, Texas! I have also experienced love, family, mission, professional success, renewed purpose and community. In the course of my journey, I developed an entrepreneurial spirit that I used to create my own software company and developed a software that was mentioned in the 2007 edition of INC 5000 magazine. I have also had a successful career in numerous industries from consulting, information technology, lumber and wood products, hardwood flooring, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, project management to healthcare.

I currently serve as Director – Strategy Management Services at Mayo Clinic where I lead a large team and develop and execute strategy, project and program management, and business analysis. Prior to Mayo Clinic, I led large team and complex projects for America’s largest home furniture manufacturer and retailer. I also serve as Vice President of the Rochester branch NAACP, President of the La Crosse- Rochester Project Management Chapter and Olmsted County Human Rights Commissioner.

I am also a TED speaker and recently gave a talk on discrimination and what communities can do to solve them together. I am also a Rada Distinguished alumni of the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, an award given to those who have achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. While all of these professional achievements are noteworthy, my most important role however is father and husband.

All of these experiences have really prepared me for greater leadership within our community. My motivation always comes down to service. Where can I put my skills to use for the betterment of everyone? Community members like Sue Nee without solicitation shared that I have her vote “because you are competent, compassionate, committed to our community, but most of all because you are trustworthy.”

As I talk to community members in the city and rural areas of District 7, I’ve heard local concerns on COVID, economic issues, law enforcement and race relations, DMC, and affordable housing to mention a few. New leadership is needed if we want different outcomes. I bring to the table a diverse and fresh perspective, with strong leadership, strategic, and business experience that will better help us respond to growth and change. I believe that with desire, leadership, solid plans, resources, partners, and community that we can make Olmsted County a great place for everyone to live and work. I humbly ask for your vote. I will serve you and not the other way around. 

As we move into the final days of the election season, community members can review my experience, campaign priorities or reach out to me through social media. Learn more about me at www.walemn.com. Thank you and be safe.

Wale Elegbede is a candidate for Olmsted County Board, District 7.