Alana is an experienced political leader with 20 years of Congressional experience. She served as RIPE’s Interim Executive Director in early 2023, and is Principal at Petersen Group/Canary Consulting. Alana’s political career includes services as Deputy Chief of Staff and State Advisor to Senator Tina Smith, Campaign Manager of the Tina Smith for Minnesota Campaign, Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Al Franken, Director of Field Operations for Representative Jim Oberstar, and as a Scheduler for Representative David Minge. Previously, she served as Managing Director of Federal Government Relations for the law firm Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. 

Alana also worked for the national political consulting firm Grassroots Solutions, and has served in leadership roles for numerous campaigns. Her nonprofit experience includes having served as the Executive Director of Target Market, an organization which promoted anti-tobacco messages to Minnesota high school students. Alana, her husband Thom, and their two sons reside in Pine City, Minnesota, where they raise and show both miniature and large horses at county fairs across the state and in the Minnesota State Fair. Alana is active in her local Farmers Union and serves as the County Treasurer.