Laura Straw

Laura Straw has significant work experience in various roles related to finance and administration. Laura is currently the Director of Finance and Administration at Agate Housing and Services, a position they began in November 2021. Prior to this, they owned their own business, Straw Business Consulting, since January 1995.

Additionally, Laura has held the position of Director of Finance at Simpson Housing Services from May 2020 to November 2021. Laura also worked as an Accounts Payable Supervisor at Leech Lake Gaming Div from February 2020 to May 2020.

Earlier in their career, Laura served as the Executive Director of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Bemidji from January 2007 to July 2018. Laura also worked as an Executive Assistant at the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council from June 1999 to December 2003. In their early years, they held the role of Controller at Eastside Neighborhood Service, Inc from June 1990 to May 1995.

Laura Straw has a diverse education history. Laura obtained an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in Accounting from Northwest Technical College from 2019 to 2021. Prior to this, they attended Minnesota State Community and Technical College from 2004 to 2006, where they earned an AAS degree in Computer Network & Technology. During the same period, they also obtained a Certificate in Cisco Routers from the same institution.

In earlier years, Laura attended Bemidji State University from 1982 to 1984, where they pursued undergraduate studies without obtaining a specific degree. Before that, from 1977 to 1979, they attended Bemidji Area Vocational Technical Institute, where they completed an AAS degree in Accounting and Finance.

In addition to their formal education, Laura also engaged in self-study and obtained a license as a Licensed Second Class Engineer in Boiler Operations. Furthermore, they hold several certifications, including 2nd Class C Engineer from the State of Minnesota (obtained in January 2020), Certified Non Profit Accounting Professional from FMA (obtained in October 2003), and a Notary Public Commission from the State of Minnesota (obtained in July 1986).