After eight years overseeing county operations, Dakota County Manager Matt Smith announced he will be retiring in May.

During his time with the county, Smith managed a team of more than 2,000 employees as the county earned state and national recognition for its services, improved mental health crisis programs, enhanced park and library amenities and helped to facilitate the county’s COVID-19 response, according to a county news release.

Matt Smith will retire May 23, 2024 after serving eight years as Dakota County manager. (Courtesy of Dakota County)

Smith said Wednesday that projects he is especially proud of include bringing bison to Spring Lake Park Reserve, the new Kaposia Library in South St. Paul that opens later this month and the nearly-completed Mississippi River Greenway, a 27-mile trail that runs along the river from St. Paul to Hastings.

Before joining Dakota County in 2008, Smith was the finance director for the city of St. Paul and spent more than 14 years with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Smith’s first role with Dakota County was as its financial services director. He then went on to serve as deputy county manager before taking over as manager in 2016.

“This has been a great opportunity,” Smith said, “but at some point, you need to step back and let someone else take over, and this is the time.”

After his last day as manager, May 23, Smith said he looks forward to being a more active member on the boards of the Marine Mills Folk School and the Christ Lutheran Church in Marine on St. Croix. Smith said he also plans to continue teaching fiscal management courses part time at Hamline University and is looking forward to traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren.

“Matt Smith is the rarest kind of leader,” said Board Chair Joe Atkins, who represents South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, in the release. “Always first to lend a hand and last to take credit, Matt constantly strives to build consensus and collaboration among all involved. He is the consummate public servant, and we deeply appreciate his service.”

The Dakota County board is working to get a search firm under contract to help in finding a new county manager, Smith said.

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