Community Service
Serving the Community
I have been purposeful in living out that value through volunteering in church, youth activities, Junior Achievement, the PTA and many other amazing local nonprofit organizations. I currently serve on the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program Board and participate in many community discussions around youth. I have been a proud member of P.E.O. since 2013.
I am the Director of the Revenue Cycle at Brookings Health System. My husband Cody and I, along with our three kids, have called Brookings home for the past 14 years.
Mellissa Heermann
Public Service Experience
I developed a love and passion for policy work during college, while working for a Senator at the Capitol in Lincoln. I was able to see first hand how impactful this role could be when done right. This experience in policy work set me up to be successful in my role on the Brookings School Board.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the Lake Preston City Council and also briefly as Mayor of Lake Preston. This was such an amazing experience for me, and the people of Lake Preston were incredibly warm and welcoming to me during our time there.
In July of 2022, I completed my 6th year on the Brookings School Board. There are many things I am proud of from that time, however, implementing a new strategy for updating and maintaining our School Board policies is at the top of the list. Ensuring that the policies of the school district comply with state regulations and staff and student needs is critical. This new process will set the district up for continued success for many years to come.
During my two terms on the Brookings School Board, there have been a number of challenges and obstacles to overcome, which required working collaboratively as a board and within the community. Whether it be district construction projects, safety issues, budgets, strategic planning, or the creation of the Brookings School District Foundation, I have focused on listening to community feedback with respect for others and incorporating it into strategic decision making.
Proven Leadership
Six years on the Brookings School Board, four of those years in a leadership role which was voted on by the full board. Work on multiple committees including construction and facilities, performance overview and policy.
Invested in Pierre
I have made sure to stay engaged with our Legislators and have an understanding of what bills are going through Pierre that would be impacting the Brookings School District. I have made trips to Pierre for Brookings Day at the Capitol as well as ASBSD’s Legislative Day in Pierre. Interacting with legislators has allowed me to gain a better understanding.
Areas of Focus
I stand ready to support South Dakota and District 7 on topics such as K-12 education, accessible housing, economic growth, and workforce development, to name a few. I believe in the democratic process and the constitution of the United States.
While the times we are in are challenging, I believe in the American people and the dream this country was built on. I enter into conflict with a level head, extending respect for others and their right to be heard. As a leader during a time of conflict, I have worked through many different points of contention and have learned from those experiences along the way.
I’m running because I believe that I have the skills, energy, passion and experience to advocate well for District 7 and South Dakota. If given this opportunity I will work hard for District 7 and continue the history of strong leadership in Pierre.
Voice of Influence
Podcast
I recently participated in a podcast with the Voice of Influence, discussing leadership in times of conflict and many other topics. Click below to listen.