Meet Wayne Johnson

Wayne was elected to the Otter Tail County Board in November of 2010 and has spent his time in office focused on serving residents, strengthening communities, and delivering practical, lasting results.

Throughout his tenure, Wayne has worked collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to support county priorities, advocate for resources, and help move important projects forward. He has represented Otter Tail County in statewide and national organizations, ensuring that both rural and metro voices are heard and that our communities are well represented.

Wayne has testified at the state legislature on multiple occasions in support of county initiatives and has worked with partners across Minnesota to promote solutions that benefit all 87 counties. He continues to advocate for investments that support local communities, economic growth, and long-term sustainability.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Pelican Rapids, Wayne understands the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. Along with his wife and best friend Dena, he built a small septic business into a full-service excavation company, creating jobs and serving local customers.

Wayne and Dena have remained deeply involved in the community, serving on civic, nonprofit, and church boards over the years. They believe giving back is an important part of building strong communities.

In their spare time, Wayne and Dena enjoy gardening, hobby farming, hunting, and ice fishing.

Wayne believes that hard work, dedication, and collaboration are the keys to success—both in business and in serving the people of Otter Tail County.