Jami Gebert, Portage County’s executive administrative assistant, announced last week her candidacy for Portage County Executive.

Gebert joins County Board Supervisor Matt Jacowski, District 22, in the bid for the post, which will be decided in the spring election 2018. Gebert has served as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the current County Executive Patty Dreier since April 2010.

“I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Portage County for the past seven years in the County Executive Office. I understand the responsibility of the office and complexity of County operations,” she said in a press release.

“As County Executive, I will continue to work diligently for the betterment of citizens, municipalities, and the businesses and organizations that call Portage County home,” Gebert said.

In addition to her experience with Portage County, Gebert has served in many capacities throughout the county. She is a member of the Green Circle Trail Board of Directors of which she serves as Secretary for the Board, a member of Active Portage County and a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Greater Portage County.

Gebert was a key member of the citizen group that built the Stevens Point Area Skateboard Park in Bukolt Park. She served as Chair of the Portage County Toys for Tots Campaign from 2008-2014, and is still actively involved with Toys for Tots.

She also has served as a member of many community boards through the years, including the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the Executive Board for Farm Technology Days.

She believes in “Building Community through Service,” and said she will lead a campaign focused on three key points: Growing and retaining the county workforce, strengthening long-term county fiscal planning and infrastructure and improving quality of life by engaging and listening to citizens.

Gebert grew up on a family farm working with her family’s small business in Wood County. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, majoring in Communications and Political Science.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys camping, biking and running, including completing 13 half-marathons and one full-marathon.