Susan Kent

Susan Kent is an experienced leader, dedicated advocate, former small business owner, and a concerned community member.

Susan has more than 20 years of professional experience in strategic marketing and media, ranging from major corporations and government to small businesses, local arts, and non-profit organizations. Much of her work was as a media director, planner, and buyer, working closely with local and national media (TV, radio, digital, magazines and newspapers) to plan and negotiate strategic media buys and promotions for her clients.​

​Susan spent ten years representing Woodbury in the Minnesota Senate, serving on committees for Education, Transportation and Public Safety, State Government, and Commerce. In 2020 she was elected Senate Minority Leader, becoming the first woman to lead the Senate DFL caucus.

Since retiring from the Senate in 2023, Susan has applied her public experience and perspective to strengthen our democracy and empower citizens. She has served on the board of Majority in the Middle, a nonprofit organization working to improve engagement and collaboration within political and civic life. She has also helped lead a community group of volunteers to launch Woodbury News Net, a nonprofit, nonpartisan and hyperlocal news outlet to inform and engage the people of Woodbury, the 7th largest city in Minnesota. In her role as Board Chair, Susan focuses on business operations and revenue. While she coordinates operations of the editorial team and resources with the Board and Editor, she is deeply committed to the editorial independence of Woodbury News Net. 

​Susan resides in Woodbury with her husband Chris and their son Andrew, and she enjoys exploring area parks and trails in her spare time.