Item Description:
title
Establish the unclassified position of Director of Economic Development Strategy; approve the appointment of Patricia Fitzgerald as the Director, effective 05/05/2024
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners establishes the unclassified position of Director of Economic Development Strategy, effective May 5, 2024; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 383B.102(c)(3), the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approves the appointment of Patricia Fitzgerald as the Director of Economic Development Strategy, effective May 5, 2024.
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Background:
Under Minn. Stat. § 383B.102(c)(3) and the County’s policy on Open and Unclassified Service Appointments, the county board approves appointments of personnel in the unclassified service.
As a key leader in the Community and Economic Development area, the Director of Economic Development Strategy will lead staff in the management, planning, and coordination of operations to ensure programs advance inclusive business growth and enhance resident quality of life in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. This director will be well-positioned to work with community partners and across the County to foster alignment, promote cross-disciplinary partnerships, data sharing, and collaborative solutions that lead to better outcomes for Hennepin County residents. This position will report to the Chief Housing and Economic Development Officer.
Following an extensive internal recruitment process, the County Administrator is recommending Patricia Fitzgerald be appointed as the Director of Economic Development Strategy, effective 05/05/2024.
Ms. Fitzgerald brings over 15 years of County experience spearheading economic development initiatives, including community-driven revitalization efforts, redevelopment strategies, and interagency public sector community and economic development programs. In her current role leading the development and implementation of Hennepin County’s economic recovery strategy, Ms. Fitzgerald worked to establish a vision for inclusive economic development and her leadership of Elevate Hennepin has resulted in tangible advancements in business growth, entrepreneur development, and the small business support ecosystem.
Ms. Fitzgerald has a Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Arts, from the Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.
As required by the Open and Unclassified Service Appointments Policy, a list of final applicants who interviewed for this position is on file with the Clerk of the County Board.
Current request: The County Administrator requests the board establish the unclassified position of Director Economic Development Strategy and approve the appointment of Patricia Fitzgerald, effective May 5, 2024.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval