Accomplishments

WHO I AM:
Donna Barnes-Haesemeyer
Married to Dr. Allan Haesemeyer 31 years
Mother of three adult children: Ali, Sam and Abe

EDUCATION:
University of Kansas, B.A., 1976; M.A., 1979
Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Graduate, 1998

WORK:
City of Shell Lake Alderperson, 1982-1985
Cruise Port Travel Agency Owner, 1985-2000
City of Shell Lake Alderperson, 2001-2003
School District of Shell Lake, Substitute Teacher, 2004-presen

When I moved to Shell Lake in 1981, I was surprised to discover that no one was
running for City Alderman in my ward. I threw my hat in the ring, was elected, and began what has become a 25-year career in public service. During those two terms as Alderman, I chaired the Finance committee and served as Council President.

During the next 15 years, I learned a great deal about economic development, much
of it firsthand as the owner of Cruise Port Travel Agency. I became active in the
Shell Lake Chamber of Commerce, serving a term as President.

In 1996 I was selected as one of 30 leaders in Wisconsin to participate in the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program and became Washburn County’s first graduate
in 1998.
 
After graduating from WRLP, I again ran and was elected  Alderman in 2001, serving as Finance Committee chairperson and as the Council’s representative to the Shell Lake Plan Commission, the Shell Lake Public Library Board and the Lake Protection Advisory Committee.