Tom Saxhaug

Appointed by the Governor

Public member Tom Saxhaug was appointed to the Outdoor Heritage Council by the Governor in 2019 and again in 2023. His current four year term ends January 2027.

A son of Northern Minnesota, Grand Rapids specifically, Tom has had a life-long interest in assuring the lakes and forests he grew up with thrive for generations to come. To this end, he has served both in volunteer positions and as an elected official. Community service has always been a part of Tom's makeup - from serving as President of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and various other boards as well as belonging to Ducks Unlimited and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. He founded and chaired the Itasca County Forest Resource Network which evolved into the Forestry Affairs Committee of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Highway 38 National Scenic Byway Leadership Board.

To become more involved in policy making he served on the Grand Rapids City Council, followed by the Itasca County Board of Commissioners, and finally ran for a seat in the Minnesota State Senate. He served there for 14 years, accomplishing much for our state and Northern Minnesota in particular. The last six years in the Senate he served on the LSOHC.

Tom and Nancy have been married for 49 years and have two adult children, one a teacher and one a musician, as well as 2 grandchildren. Fully retired now, he and Nancy love to travel - internationally and on road trips in the U.S. Tom likes to hike and snowshoe in his spare time.

Grand Rapids, MN
lsohc@lsohc.mn.gov
(Communications will be forwarded to Mr. Saxhaug.)