Heidi Welsch leaving Olmsted County administrator role

After 11 years of service to Olmsted County, County Administrator Heidi Welsch has announced she will be leaving Olmsted County to serve as Dakota County manager. She will be working with Olmsted County until the end of July.   

Welsch began working for Olmsted County in 2013 as director of Family Support and Assistance. Her work as county administrator began in 2017. 

During her tenure at the county, Welsch has made an incredible impact on both employees and residents. Some of her notable achievements include: 

• Leading an organization named as one of the Best Places to Work in southeast Minnesota by Workforce Development, Inc. We received this honor in 2024, 2023, and 2020. 
• Launching the county’s first diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative – One Olmsted in 2017.  
• Helping to keep Olmsted County in good financial standing. Olmsted County maintains an “AAA” rating from Standard & Poor’s and an “Aaa” rating from Moody’s Investors Service – ratings only received by 3% of counties nationwide. Olmsted County has maintained these ratings since 2001.  
• Leading Olmsted County through the COVID-19 pandemic with grace, creativity, a commitment to communication, and a strong focus on keeping Olmsted County residents healthy and safe. 
• Overseeing major capital projects for the county and helping to secure state and federal funding for several projects including the CSAH 44 and TH 14 interchange project, a materials recovery facility (MRF), and an exhibition center at Graham Park.  
• Helping to establish a new 2024-2028 strategic plan for Olmsted County to ensure a shared vision for the future of the Olmsted County organization. 
• Playing a significant role in the creation of the Rochester Community Warming Center, an emergency shelter for area adults, in late 2019. 
• Developing a strong organizational structure with divisional leadership and an executive management team.  

"We deeply appreciate the leadership and vision that Heidi brought to Olmsted County,” stated Olmsted County Board Chair Sheila Kiscaden. “Her skillful management and leadership have laid a strong foundation for Olmsted County to continue delivering innovative solutions to improve residents' quality of life."

"Heidi’s leadership fostered a culture of collaboration with various partners throughout our cities, townships, and beyond,” said Olmsted County Vice Board Chair Mark Thein. “Her legacy of service and impact will be felt for years to come, as she leaves our county better and stronger.” 

Selecting a new county administrator

At the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 16, 2024, the county board will appoint an interim county administrator. 

The job posting for the county administrator position will post within the next two weeks and will be open to internal and external candidates. The posting will remain active for 30 days. 

Candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to a selection committee. The selection committee will choose 5-7 candidates for a first round of interviews. Interviews will be conducted by the selection committee, two additional commissioners, and a member of the county Executive Management Team. 

A second round of interviews will most likely occur before a top candidate is selected.