Ben Schierer is the Director of Civic Partnerships at West Central Initiative. Ben brings a wealth of experience in government and civic engagement, with 16 years as an elected official. He is the Mayor of Fergus Falls, a 2020-2021 Bush Fellow, and a 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Prior to becoming mayor, Schierer served on the Fergus Falls City Council for two terms. Schierer joined West Central Initiative as a consultant for its Rural Democracy program in 2023 and now will expand his work to create a positive civic culture in rural Minnesota.