Meet Arlette Preston!
Background
Hometown: Farm near Portland, North Dakota
Education:
Nursing Diploma, St. Luke’s School of Nursing, Fargo
Bachelor’s of Nursing, Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Master’s in Community Health Nursing, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas
Career
Arlette worked as a nurse for MeritCare (Sanford) Health Systems for 21 years before starting her own business, Home Instead Senior Care, which provides in-home, non-medical services for the elderly. She operated Home Instead Care for 16 years, employing 85 individuals and supporting hundreds of families.
Having spent her entire adult life as a nurse, Arlette understands the importance of people caring for people. Arlette’s civic engagement is guided by her belief that healthy communities are achieved when all sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – work together, help each other, and inspire one another to reach their full potential.
Fargo City Commission
Arlette was elected to the Fargo City Commission in 2020. She holds the Health Department and Planning and Development portfolios.
Arlette also served on the City Commission from 1992 to 2000. During her tenure, she held the Planning and Development portfolio. The Commission implemented a Land Development Code. She also helped create the downtown master plan, a future land use master plan, and improved the process of neighborhood planning.
Community Involvement
Rotary Club Member
City of Fargo Arts & Culture Commission, Co-founder & former Board Member
Fargo Public Schools Board of Education, 2002-2006
Downtown Neighborhood Association, Co-founder & former Board Member
Neighborhood Association Coalition, former Board Member
African Soul American Heart, former Board Member
Family
Arlette has lived in Fargo with her husband, Richard, for the past 45 years. Richard owned 7th Avenue Auto Salvage and recently sold it to their nephew. They have a daughter, Chelsea, who lives in Texas. Arlette and Richard reside in Fargo with their dogs, Foxy and Frieda.