Kim Norton

Kim Norton became the first woman Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota and took office on January 8, 2019. Kim was selected to be part of the Harvard- Bloomberg City Leadership Institute and has had education, support, and grant opportunities providing unprecedented support for our city. Prior to her election as Mayor, Kim won a Bush Fellowship which allowed her to complete a master’s degree and certificate of Leadership in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and experiential learning focused on leadership and energy policy. This work encouraged her to investigate communities noted for their sustainability and livability. Kim served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 10 years. During her tenure as a legislator, Kim introduced and helped pass many pieces of significant legislation including the Destination Medical Center (DMC) economic development project, Primary Seat Belt and many other health related bills aimed a positioning Rochester and Minnesota as a premier location for healthcare. Before serving on the state legislature, Kim served eight years, including one as board chair of the Rochester Public School Board.

In addition to Kim’s solid and long history of public service, volunteerism, and leadership, she has a record of asking tough questions, seeking out and listening to people with differing opinions, and working with the community to build bridges toward finding smart, fair solutions. Her workforce history includes self-employment, retail and non-profit work.

Kim participated in the Women in Power and Senior Executives in State and Local Government executive education program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School earning an Executive Leadership in Public Policy certificate. She continues to serve on many local and state nonprofit boards and was newly appointed to the Governor’s Young Women’s Initiative Council.

Kim is married to Randy Stone, the mother of four grown children and a stepson. She is grandmother of four. She spends her personal time traveling and reading and has a special fondness for kayaking.