Alayne Krause is the County Administrator for Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, where she leads a team of more than 900 employees across 19 departments. A lifelong resident of the county she now serves, Alayne’s career in local government began with a summer internship during college and quickly evolved into a series of increasingly senior positions. She was named the county’s Deputy Administrator in 2020 and was appointed County Administrator in 2023. 

Known for her thoughtful leadership style, Alayne is passionate about fostering a strong workplace culture, supporting employee wellness, and making a lasting impact in her community. Outside the office, she’s an avid outdoorswoman, house renovator, and lifelong learner with a deep appreciation for public service and continuous growth.

Here is some of what Alayne’s nominators had to say about her: 

“Alayne’s leadership is defined by humility and a focus on service before self. She is a consummate professional who inspires those around her to lead with excellence and integrity. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life—across ages, backgrounds, and experiences—speaks to her respect for diversity and her collaborative approach to leadership. Alayne fosters a work environment where every individual is encouraged to strive for their best.”

And -- 

“Even after her arrival in the Administration office she continued to strive to better herself, thus bettering Sheboygan County through her leadership and community engagement! Her leadership has never been self-serving, but in service to all of our communities within Sheboygan County.”

This is the final profile in our 2025 Inspirational Women in Local Government series. We hope you have enjoyed these portraits of extraordinary leaders.

Q. What are you reading right now, and is there a book that you read in the past that was particularly meaningful to you?

I’m currently reading The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle, which aligns with some culture and employee engagement work we’re doing at the county. For pleasure, I’m halfway through The Girl in the Letter, which was given to me by a friend…about a journalist uncovering a mystery tied to a home for unwed mothers in England.

Books that have stayed with me? Anything by Brené Brown. Simon Sinek’s Start with Why is another I go back to. Tina Fey’s Bossypants gave me both laughs and insights. And The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch was particularly impactful—it’s about appreciating life, giving back, and not taking anything for granted, told by a professor with terminal cancer. 

Q. Can you walk us through your career path?

It’s a bit of a winding path. I started with the county as a college intern in 2009, working with the transportation department on a GIS mapping project. After college, the county treasurer offered me a yearlong project-based position. From there, the director of planning and conservation asked if I’d be interested in an upcoming vacancy in his department. And not long after, the county administrator pulled me aside. He’d seen my work, heard good things, and said, “I want you to come work for me.” That role was as executive assistant.

I kept asking for more work, more responsibility, and that eventually led to us creating a new deputy administrator role. During my tenure as deputy administrator, I also simultaneously served as the interim human resources director for 10 months. When the administrator moved on to another job, I wasn’t sure I was ready to lead the organization—but the board and department heads encouraged me to apply. I became County Administrator in 2023. 

Before I started my career in public service, I didn’t understand what county government did. I thought it was all politics. But working here, I came to understand that the county provides essential services most people don’t even think about. Because county boards are nonpartisan and administrators are appointed, not elected, our focus is truly on community service. It’s about making lives better. 

Q. What was it like to shift from conservation work to a more general leadership role as County Administrator?

Well, environmental work has always been my passion. I grew up on a dairy farm, have a deep love for the outdoors, and I understand the importance of protecting natural resources. But even though it’s no longer my primary focus at work, I’ve found ways to keep that part of my life active.

Now, I get to support not only environmental initiatives but also all the other departments and services our county provides. There will always be a soft spot in my heart for conservation, but I don’t regret making the shift. I’m very glad to be in the position I’m in.

Q. Can you tell us more about Sheboygan County?

People probably say this about their communities all the time, but I truly believe our county is special. We’re considered a rural county, with a population of about 117,000. We have a strong agricultural presence, but we also have a robust manufacturing base. We’re bordered by Lake Michigan—our “east coast”—and are actually known as the Malibu of the Midwest because we’re one of the largest freshwater surfing areas. People surf here all year long, even in the middle of winter!

Beyond that, we’re fortunate to be home to several family-owned, multigenerational global companies; household names like Kohler, Sargento, Johnsonville, and Bemis are headquartered here. These businesses operate globally but are deeply rooted in our community. Their commitment to giving back through philanthropy makes Sheboygan County truly a unique place to live and work.

Q. What are you most proud of professionally?

The most obvious one is stepping into this role as County Administrator. I’m in my early 30s, and to go from being a summer intern in college to leading an organization with over 900 employees across 19 departments in a relatively short time. . . It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also a tremendous privilege to give back to the community I grew up in. My predecessor served in this position for 24 years and built a strong foundation. I see this as turning the page into a new chapter, honoring that past while also moving things forward.

One of the most meaningful parts of this new chapter has been onboarding new department heads who bring energy and fresh perspectives. They’re not tied to the “that’s how we’ve always done it” mindset. With support from our new HR director, we’ve been putting real focus on improving organizational culture and embracing servant leadership. He joked with me early on, saying, “Alayne, you’re walking the walk. . . I need you to talk the talk.” He’s encouraged me to be more vocal about the intentional culture shift we’re building. In a time when employees have many options, we want to give them a chance to see the impact of their work and the value of public service. It might not be the most glamorous or highest-paying field, but the fulfillment it offers is deeply rewarding.

Q. What are some lessons you’ve learned about leadership?

There’s a big difference between knowing the organization and leading it. I had the benefit of pre-existing relationships, but becoming the leader—both internally and externally—was a major shift. Navigating relationships at different levels of government and in the community added a whole new layer.

I’ve had to learn how to assert myself, especially in male-dominated spaces where I’ve been mistaken for an assistant or treated dismissively. Being young and female in leadership can be tough, but I’ve found that being authentic, honest, and transparent works for me.

Q. What advice do you have for women in local government looking to advance their careers?

Seek opportunities to learn and grow. Advocate for yourself; ask to attend trainings; join committees and take on new projects. You never know when a new skill or connection will come back around. And don’t be afraid to feel uncomfortable. Growth often starts there.

If you just do what’s on your job description, you’ll likely stay where you are. But if you show ambition and interest, people notice. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t consistently raised my hand and asked for more.

Q: Who do you lean on for support or inspiration?

Formally, I’m part of associations like the Wisconsin Counties Association, National Association of County Administrators, and ICMA. Informally, I’ve built a network of local women leaders in nonprofits and the private sector. We meet for coffee or wine, share experiences, and support one another. That’s been invaluable.

Q. Who has been an inspirational leader in your life?

First and foremost, my mom. She’s selfless, smart, and always giving to others. Even in retirement, she volunteers, is engaged in the community, and takes classes through local universities to keep learning. She’s an incredible role model.

And more broadly, I’m inspired by everyday kindness—people doing the right thing when no one’s watching. That gives me hope and motivates me to keep showing up and serving others.

Q. Is there anyone else you’d like to shout out?

Yes. Crystal Fieber, our Corporation Counsel. She’s incredibly sharp, professional, compassionate, and essential to our team. And I’d like to recognize the other female county administrators across Wisconsin—especially those who were first in their roles. They’ve paved the way in what’s still a male-dominated space.

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