Meet Leslie Bouchonville
A Lifetime of Service
I’m Leslie Bouchonville, a longtime Cass County community leader, nonprofit executive, school board member, and advocate for families in rural Minnesota.
For nearly 30 years, I served as Executive Director of the Pine River-Backus Family Center, helping grow the organization from an early community initiative into a trusted local resource for children, families, seniors, and residents facing difficult situations. I later also served as Executive Director of the Northland Family Center, expanding my work across the region.
Throughout my career, I have managed nonprofit budgets, secured grants and donor support, built partnerships with schools and county agencies, worked directly with families in crisis, and helped create programs that respond to real local needs. My work has included family support, prevention programs, food access, home visiting, child and teen checkups, and community-based services.
I have also served on the Pine River-Backus School Board, the Cass County Children’s Initiative Board, and county-level committees connected to family services. I volunteered for nine years with the Cass County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, reflecting my commitment to public safety, rural volunteerism, and service beyond the workplace.
My husband, Mitch, and I chose to put down roots in the Backus area to give our children stability and a strong local community. Our family has long enjoyed the outdoor traditions of northern Minnesota, including lake life, horses, woods, and 4-H.
I’m running for Cass County Commissioner District 3 to bring practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community-focused decision-making to county government.
Leslie Bouchonville’s leadership is rooted in listening, service, and practical problem-solving.
Throughout her career, Leslie has worked directly with people facing real challenges and helped bring together the right partners to find solutions. Her experience has taught her the importance of listening first, using resources wisely, and staying focused on what strengthens families, supports seniors, and keeps rural communities moving forward.
Rooted in our Rural Way of Life
My connection to Cass County is shaped by the my love for the outdoors and the everyday values of our rural community. These experiences are part of my story, and they’ve shaped how I will listen to and serve the communities of District 3.
Transparent & Accountable Government
Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, how tax dollars are used, and how county government is working for them. I will support open communication, responsible decision-making, and a county government that remains accessible to the people it serves.
Responsible Fiscal Management
I have spent decades managing nonprofit budgets, grants, donors, programs, and partnerships. I understand the importance of stretching resources, planning carefully, and making decisions that are sustainable for the long term.
Strong Support for Families & Seniors
My career has been centered on helping people access support, navigate challenges, and build stability. As Commissioner, I will work to make sure rural residents, families, children, and seniors have a voice in county decisions.
Practical Solutions for Local Needs
Cass County communities face real challenges, including access to services, childcare, housing, transportation realities, and long-term community wellness. I believe solutions should be practical, local, and built through collaboration.