(1947- )
Crookston

Susan Mills is the executive director of Tri-County Corrections in Crookston, Minnesota, who is known for her dedication to the community, both professionally and personally. She began her career at Tri-County in 1976 as the research training coordinator. Through 30 years of service Mills became a pioneer in her profession, striving to make the world a better place.

Mills has always gone above and beyond looking for new opportunities and funding sources for corrections and prevention services for northwest Minnesota. In 1980, Mills joined the board of directors and served as president of the nonprofit "Sexual Assault Program," which later became "Project Safe." She assisted in the development, planning and implementation of this program, which offered support and assistance to victims of sexual assault and family violence.

In 1982 Mills became involved in the development of a new program for Tri-County called "Special Workers Assisting Treatment"or S.W.A.T. II. It was designed to provide additional supervision and programming to adolescents assigned to probation through the Court system, and was unique in that it provided services during the evening and weekend hours, a first in this area of the State. Mills was named Director of the program in 1983.

Mills convened a group of individuals from the corrections agencies, Polk County, local school districts and the Judiciary to discuss the resources being used for juvenile out of county placements. The result of this effort was the idea of the Alternative Learning Center. With funds provided by a McKnight Foundation grant and matching funds from partners, the Learning Center evolved.

Currently, Mills serves as an active member of the Crookston School Board, to which she was elected in 2000. Among her many accomplishments is starting the Restorative Justice program, helping with the plan and construction of the Red River Valley Juvenile Center in Crookston. She is currently involved in the planning and development of the new Polk County Justice Center and jail.

Mills is a dedicated member of her community and role model for all who know her. She has had a significant impact through local and state organizations and is active politically, lobbying for issues that relate to corrections and northwest Minnesota. Russell A. Anderson, Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, supported Mills' nomination in a letter to the selection committee. He wrote, "When I think of the leaders that I served with during my time on the district court bench in Crookston, Susan Mills stands out as one of the most effective leaders in advancing the interests of Northwestern Minnesota. She is an outstanding professional in every respect and a wonderful person."