F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
October 2, 2018; Shakopee, Minnesota – In unanimous action this morning, the Scott County Board of Commissioners officially adopted a resolution appointing current Deputy County Administrator Lezlie A. Vermillion to the position of County Administrator following the retirement of Gary Shelton on December 31, 2018.
Vermillion, a longtime resident of Scott County, has served in an array of capacities with Scott County since beginning her tenure in 2002. Hired initially as the Public Works Director, she quickly rose through the organizational ranks to become Deputy County Administrator (while still acting as Public Works Director for an extended period) in 2009; Vermillion’s role was subsequently expanded yet further in 2011 to assume the dual position of Deputy County Administrator/Community Service Director. Before joining the Scott County organization, she earned a BA from the University of Minnesota and was employed by Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“After a series of extensive Board workshops and ongoing conversations with staff and others,” said Scott County Board Chair Tom Wolf, “It was clear that Lezlie not only met, but exceeded, the qualifications and leadership acumen that the Board was determined to find in a new County Administrator. Her enthusiasm for public service is virtually unparalleled, and her understanding of the County’s organizational and community culture has been amply demonstrated through her leadership in such efforts as SCALE, Delivering What Matters, Priority Based Budgeting, and developing a true data-driven, citizen-centered environment.”
Scott County Vice Chair Barbara Weckman Brekke concurred, adding that “… Lezlie is well-respected throughout our community, this organization, and the region as a whole, and she has gained a great level of trust with her collaborative approach to doing business. I know this Board has made the right selection for this position.”
In addition to Vermillion’s professional attributes, the Board also expressed their intent to continue the organization’s current course toward meeting its larger goals and objectives, preserving a level of stability in the pursuit of the County’s mission. “We have the utmost faith in Lezlie’s ability to maintain our standards of fiscal and professional excellence,” Chair Wolf continued. “And she has a well-tested team of high caliber staff to help us all move forward confidently.”
Vermillion will officially assume her new position on January 1, 2019.