Press Kit

Travis Gransee

Travis Gransee is the county administrator for Olmsted County. As administrator, Travis makes recommendations to the county board, is accountable to the board for the implementation of county policies, leads the Olmsted County government organization, and ensures effective delivery of county services.

Travis’ career spans 20+ years serving Olmsted County residents (since 2004) and nearly 30 years in the field of human services. Since 2021, he has served as a member of the county’s executive management team and led the county’s Health, Housing, and Human Services division as deputy administrator. Prior to that, he worked in Community Corrections in various roles increasing in responsibility before serving as the director of the department for over seven years.  

Travis holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. He is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota Human Services Leadership Program and completed the Collaborative Leadership Fellows Program.

Pete Giesen

Pete Giesen has served as deputy county administrator for Olmsted County since 2017. He oversees the work in the Physical Development division. Departments in this division include Environmental Resources, Facilities and Building Operations, Parks, Planning, Property Records and Licensing, Public Works, and the Soil and Water Conservation District.   

He has worked for Olmsted County for more than 35 years. Most of his career was spent working in Public Health in various capacities, including as director of Public Health from 2011 - 2017. Prior to this, Pete served as an environmental health manager, public health emergency preparedness coordinator, project consultant, and senior environmental health specialist. Prior to serving as deputy administrator for Physical Development, Pete worked as a deputy administrator overseeing the work of teams that previously comprised the General Government division.  

Pete obtained a bachelor's degree in biology from Northland College and a master's degree in health science/community health from Mankato State University.

Amy Rauchwarter

Amy Rauchwarter is the deputy administrator for the Health, Housing, and Human Services division and has served in that role since 2024. Previously, she was the director of Child and Family Services.  

Rauchwarter has worked with Olmsted County since 2000. She also has experience working as a program manager in Adult and Family Services. Much of Rauchwarter’s experience is working with teams, and she values collaboration, innovation, and authentic engagement.  

Rauchwarter obtained a bachelor's degree in social work from Winona State University and a master's degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). 

James Johnson

James Johnson is the deputy administrator of the Administrative Services division. Prior to that, he worked as the division administrator of Health, Housing, and Human Services. He also held roles in Community Corrections as a program manager and probation officer. James began working at Olmsted County in the Sheriff’s Office and held detention deputy, corporal, and sergeant roles. Prior to joining Olmsted County, James worked in telecommunications for five years. He has a degree in criminal justice and served in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard.