Justin Brandt is a Waterloo native committed to improving Black Hawk County for everyone by taking meaningful action in areas that directly impact the community.
A proud graduate of West Waterloo High School, Justin is an Army veteran who served with the 10th Mountain Division, deploying to Afghanistan for 16 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VII. After his active-duty service ended in 2007, Justin continued his commitment to service with the Army Reserve and Guard. He has also pursued coursework at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) with a focus on Business and Social Work.
In 2009, Justin joined the Waterloo Police Department but took a leave of absence to further his education at UNI while gaining experience in the private sector. During this time, he worked for a large manufacturing company, honing his leadership skills and understanding of business operations. Justin rejoined the police department in 2023, bringing a wealth of diverse experience with him.
In 2018, Justin co-founded the Hail Mary Project, a sports-based youth development initiative aimed at steering young people away from gang involvement. His work in this area led to the creation of a bed distribution program, which prioritizes providing beds to families in need, ensuring that youth have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Justin's dedication to service and his community has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Medal of Valor (2012), Character Counts Award (2019), and the Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Award (2019). He lives in Waterloo with his wife and three children, continuing his mission to make his community a better place for all.