The path that brought Renae Fry to one of the top roles in Steele County was far from a straight line.
Fry was selected as county administrator earlier this year, and has served in that capacity since June 17. It’s the latest chapter in a career that’s included stints as an attorney, elected official and educator.
“I don’t know how I’d ever map that out for someone else, but it worked for me,” said Fry.
As administrator, Fry serves as the chief connector not only between the Board of Commissioners and county staff, but between county departments. She said the role is all about bringing people together to find solutions and common ground. Fry said she likes to lead through collaboration, and seek input from experts as she works to solve problems.
Following the retirement of previous administrator Scott Golberg in April, Steele County conducted two rounds on interviews to select his successor. Commissioner John Glynn told the People’s Press that the first round didn’t offer what the county was looking for while the second pool of candidates was stronger, and Fry emerged as the most qualified choice.
With her help, Glynn and the rest of the commissioners hopes to improve efficiency in the county and save taxpayers money.
“I think her attorney background will help, and her work experience is going to help with a lot of things,” said Glynn. “You can tell she has the best interests of Steele County at heart.”
Glynn said Fry is the latest is a series of strong hirings in the county, highlighting Finance Director Candi Lemarr and County Attorney Robert Jarrett as well.
“I think ultimately I can help to find solutions. I just don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I’m willing to put in the time and the effort,” said Fry.
Steele County is still seeking candidates for county assessor, HR director and county engineer. Fry said turnover is a challenge facing many local governments, in part due to longtime employees looking to retire after the pandemic years. While that number of high profile openings could seem daunting, Fry said staff in these departments have been handling the transition gracefully, and she approaches times of change as opportunities to ask how things can be improved.
Fry said she hopes to put her varied experience managing people and projects to good use in Steele County. Prior to working in government, she served as an attorney for 27 years. Early on in her law career, she began teaching part-time for North Hennepin Community College’s paralegal program. She eventually became the Dean of Business, Technology, and Career Programs there, an experience she feels prepared her for working in government.
Years before becoming an administrator, Fry served on a township board. She ran at the suggestion of the township’s attorney, having been assured she would simply have to attend a meeting or two a month. Although serving on the board proved to be a much larger commitment than anticipated, Fry found she enjoyed complicated processes others might balk at, like budgeting and zoning.
About a decade ago, she decided to enter government full-time. She served as an administrator in Sauk County, Wisconsin, later becoming a city administrator in North Branch to be closer to her family in Minnesota.
Fry said government employees need to be able to listen, and understand the people they serve.
“Ultimately, our job is to provide the programs and resources that really can’t be privatized. We have a very essential and critical function to serving the communities in which that government operates,” she said.
As she settles into her new role, she’s been meeting with county personnel and key partners in the community. Fry said Steele County has been a welcoming place, and she encouraged people to reach out if they want to get to know her better.
Most Popular
Comments / 0