After an interview process that began in May with more than 50 applicants, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners selected a new county manager Tuesday.

Heidi Welsch was selected Tuesday, July 9, 2024 to be the next Dakota County Manager. The decision, which was made by the county’s Board of Commissioners, marks the first time a woman has held the top role in the county. (Courtesy of Dakota County)

Heidi Welsch was selected as the next Dakota County Manager and will be the first woman to hold the title for the state’s third-largest county.

Welsch, who holds a doctorate degree in public administration from Hamline University, will lead a team of more than 2,000 employees who provide 225 services and programs to county residents, according to a county news release.

“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 in the release. “I look forward to her leading Dakota County.”

For the past seven years Welsch has served as the Olmsted County administrator and previously served as the county’s deputy administrator for eight months.

Welsch also worked for Dakota County as the manager of the Office of Planning and Analysis for six years and as the deputy director of Employment and Economic Assistance for two years.

“I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to return to Dakota County,” Welsch said in the release. “I look forward to leading the great team of employees serving the residents and communities of Dakota County.”

She will take over for former county manager Matt Smith, who held the role for eight years before retiring in May.

A start date for Welsch has yet to be announced as the employment offer is pending salary negotiations.

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