This is her second tenure on the board, she previously served on the Washington County Board of Commissioners from 2015-2018. Karla served 5 years in the Minnesota State Senate after being elected in February of 2018 in a Special Election and re-elected in 2020. Karla served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007 until 2011. From 2005 until 2007, Karla served on the Cottage Grove City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, she chaired the Cottage Grove Public Safety, Health, and Welfare Commission. Additionally, Karla was chair of the Cottage Grove Charter Commission and was a member of the Cottage Grove Environmental Commission. Karla is a member of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. Karla obtained a Master of Public Affairs Degree from the University of Minnesota. She received her Bachelor's Degree as a paralegal, with minors in sociology and political science from Winona State University. She is a proud graduate of Park High School in Cottage Grove. Karla is a huge football fan and officiates high school football through the Minnesota State High School League. Karla likes to play golf, spend time in her garden, and play with her two rescue dogs. Karla and her husband, John, are residents of Cottage Grove.
