The Full Story

Mikhail Rostislavovich: A Distinguished Career in Politics, Community Service, and Leadership

Mikhail Rostislavovich is a seasoned leader with over 48 years of experience in National, State, and Local politics, community development, and international collaboration. His career is a testament to his dedication to public service, strategic leadership, and building meaningful relationships across the local, state, national, and international arenas. Political and Public Service Accomplishments International Engagement Mikhail’s tenure at the Center of the American Experiment (2000–2003) involved preparing international and national leaders for speaking engagements.

He collaborated with figures such as:

• Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

• Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada.

• Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev.

• Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

• General Norman Schwarzkopf, among others.

National Contributions Mikhail’s work at the national level has been instrumental in shaping Republican campaigns and advancing key political initiatives:

• 1976: Field Director for Governor Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign in Minnesota.

• 1977–1979: Fundraiser for U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz in Minnesota.

• 1980–1984: Member of the White House Advance Team for President Reagan in Washington, D.C.

• 1987–1988: Regional Political Director for Jack Kemp’s presidential campaign in the Midwest.

• 1989: Midwest Director for Vice President Dan Quayle.

• 1994: Campaign Director for Gary Revier’s congressional campaign in Minnesota.

• 1988–1993: Finance Director for U.S. Congressman Vin Weber, collaborating with leaders such as U.S. Trade Representative Clayton Yeutter and Secretary of Agriculture Richard Lyng.

• 1994–1995: Political Consultant for U.S. Senator David Durenberger in Minnesota.

• 1995–1996: Advisor to Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

• 1996–2000: Campaign Director for U.S. Senator Rod Grams, serving as a liaison officer with prominent international leaders, including the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and President Lech Wałęsa of Poland.

State-Level Leadership Mikhail has significantly contributed to state-level campaigns and governance:

• 1977: Finance Director for Luknic’s campaign for Minnesota State House.

• 1986: Political advisor for Governor Cal Ludeman.

• 1987: Advisor to Speaker of the State House David Jennings.

• 1990: Political advisor for John Grunseth’s gubernatorial campaign.

• 1994: Consultant for State Senator Roy Terwilliger’s gubernatorial campaign.

• 1996–1997: Advisor to Governor Arne Carlson. • 1989: Consultant for State Representative Linda Runbeck’s special election.

• 2003–2011: Political advisor and finance director for Governor Tim Pawlenty.

• 2022–2023: Campaign Director for State Representative Susan Akland.

• 2024–Present: Campaign Director for State Representative Thomas Sexton.

• 2003–2008: Director of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s inaugural celebrations.

Inner-Party Leadership Since 1986, Mikhail has held numerous influential positions within the Republican Party:

• Get Out the Vote Chairman for the Second Congressional District.

• Century Club Chairman and Neighbor-to-Neighbor Chairman for the Second Congressional District.

• Outreach Chairman for the Minnesota State Republican Party.

• Chairman for Nicollet County and Senate District 23.

• Delegate roles at precinct, district, state, and national levels.

Current Local Involvement Mikhail is deeply engaged in his local community, holding leadership roles in a variety of organizations:

• President of the Waseca Arts Council.

• President of the Waseca Chamber of Commerce.

• President of the Waseca Exchange Club.

• President of Waseca Special Olympics.

• President of the Waseca Tourism Board.

• Junior Warden of Tuscan Lodge No. 77 Masons.

• Active member of  Waseca Lions.

• Chairman of the Waseca Republican Party.

• Former member of the Board of Directors for the Waseca Historical Society.

Past Local Involvement Mikhail has also contributed to several historical and cultural initiatives:

• President and Vice President of the Nicollet County Historical Society.

• Vice Chair of the New Sweden District School Project.

• Board member for organizations like the State Street Theater, German Park, and Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Other Contributions

• Mikhail worked on the 1992 Super Bowl XXVI Committee at the Metrodome.

• He has collaborated with prominent conservative voices, including Sean Hannity, George Will, and P.J. O’Rourke

HSH has been recognized with the following accolades for his service to community:

Exchangite of the Year - Lakes & Prairies District

Lead the Outstanding Exchange Club of the Year - Lakes & Prairies District

Chamber Champion - Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce

Paul Harris Fellow - Rotary International Foundation