The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has selected Heidi Welsch as the next county manager.
The employment offer is pending salary negotiations.
Welsch has been administrator in Olmsted County, Minnesota for the past seven years after serving as that county's deputy administrator and director of Family Support and Assistance. She previously served as Dakota County's manager of the Office of Planning and Analysis for six years and as deputy director of Employment and Economic Assistance for two years.
While Dakota County has a history of women in leadership roles across the organization, Welsch will become the first woman to serve as county manager. She will likely begin serving in the role after Labor Day.
“I'm grateful and excited for this opportunity to return to Dakota County," Welsch said. “I look forward to leading the great team of employees serving the residents and communities of Dakota County."
The county manager leads a team of more than 2,000 employees who provide 225 services and programs to county residents, clients, businesses and visitors. Dakota County, with a population of 447,000, is the third-largest county in Minnesota.
The county manager also leads the implementation of policy decisions by the county board, makes budget recommendations and is responsible for day-to-day operations.
The county board selected Welsch from five finalists who were interviewed in June. Finalists were chosen from among more than 50 applicants.
“Dr. Welsch has an extraordinary record of success, innovation and consensus-building in every position she has ever held," Dakota County Board Chair Joe Atkins said. “I look forward to her leading Dakota County."
Welsch succeeds Matt Smith, who retired as Dakota County manager in May.
Welsch holds a bachelor's degree in geography/anthropology and a master's degree in geography from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a doctorate degree in public administration from Hamline University.
###
Contact:
Mary Beth Schubert, Dakota County Communications Director
marybeth.schubert@co.dakota.mn.us
651-438-8179