(St. Paul, MN)— Individuals from Lake, Olmsted and Chisago Counties received Association of Minnesota Counties’ (AMC) 2025 ‘Outstanding Service Awards’ for exhibiting excellence, innovation and dedication to their work in county government. 2025 AMC President and Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik presented the County Achievement awards at the association’s annual conference December 9 in Bloomington. The recipients were nominated by their counties and selected by a committee of county officials.
Born and raised in Silver Bay, Rick Goutermont has spent his entire life in Lake County, shaping a career grounded in public service and community commitment. Before joining the county board, he served on the Silver Bay City Council, spent decades supervising operations at Northshore Mining, and volunteered 35 years as a firefighter.
Rick was first elected to the Lake County Board of Commissioners in the early 1990s and is now in his 33rd consecutive year of service. He has played a central role in major county projects, including the Lake County Law Enforcement Center, the Lake County Service Center, and numerous infrastructure, safety, and housing initiatives.
For more than three decades, Rick has strengthened public safety, expanded opportunities, and helped protect the natural beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore. Known for his steady leadership and collaborative approach, he has earned the trust of residents, colleagues, and local leaders across the state. He has also been a statewide advocate and mentor, generously sharing his experience with others.
For his lifelong dedication, servant leadership, and lasting contributions to Lake County and beyond, Commissioner Goutermont exemplifies the spirit of the Association of Minnesota Counties’ Outstanding Service Award.
Other recipients were Pete Giesen, Deputy County Administrator, Olmsted County, 42 Years of Service, and Nancy Hoffman, Executive Director HRA/EDA, Chisago County, 13 Years of Service.
