Here’s a detailed biography of Hollies J. Winston, the first Black mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota:
Background & Education
- Born and raised in Chicago and later the Twin Cities; his grandfather was a Mississippi sharecropper, his father a utility company executive, and his mother a corporate professional
- Education: Graduated from International School of Minnesota, Northwestern University (B.A. in Political Science, 2000), and earned an MBA from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota (2013)
Professional Career
- Worked in management consulting and business development for Fortune 500 firms; later founded Guaranteed America, an advocacy firm championing minority-owned businesses
- Held executive roles including senior manager at Express Scripts and quality assurance at Boston Scientific
Political Path to Mayorship
- Ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2018 and narrowly in a 2021 special election, losing by just two votes
- Elected as Brooklyn Park’s first Black mayor in November 2022 and sworn in on January 9, 2023, at age
Vision & Initiatives
- Top priorities: public safety, economic development, affordable housing, renter protections, youth opportunity, and building community relationships
- Attended White House briefings alongside other U.S. mayors to discuss federal investment, infrastructure, and public health policy
Community Engagement & Recognition
- Inclusive leadership: Emphasizes coalition-building across the city’s diverse population—nearly 50% non-white
- Named a Blue Star Candidate by the Democratic Municipal Officials in 2021 for his campaign platform on equity and community empowerment
- Honored as a traditional chief within Nigeria’s Igbo community, reflecting his broader engagement with global cultural ties
Family & Personal Values
- Family man married to Latrice, with three children (including Tierney, in college). His family was present during his inauguration
- Strongly emphasizes community involvement, integrity, and intergenerational progress—he credits his grandmother’s convenience store and mother’s corporate rise as inspirations
Summary
Hollies Winston’s journey—from roots in immigrant family and corporate America to mayoral leadership—embodies resilience, public service, and community empowerment. As Brooklyn Park’s first Black mayor, he champions safety, equity, and economic opportunity, while fostering inclusive governance and civic trust.