Dakota County, Minnesota Executive and Leadership Team

Mary Schubert, the Chief Communications Officer & Director, Government Relations at Dakota County, Minnesota, manages the public image and legislative strategy for the organization. Schubert directs all internal and external communication efforts, ensuring that residents remain informed about county services and policy changes. The Chief Communications Officer & Director, Government Relations architects advocacy campaigns that represent the interests of the county at the state and federal levels. By building relationships with elected officials and community leaders, Mary Schubert facilitates effective government relations and secures support for key initiatives. This role involves crafting clear, consistent messaging that reflects the mission and values of the county. Schubert oversees the digital and traditional media presence, ensuring that information is accessible and transparent. Through strategic communication and proactive legislative engagement, the Chief Communications Officer & Director, Government Relations strengthens the connection between the county government and the public it serves.

Tim Cleveland, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, manages internal administrative workflows to ensure efficient delivery of public services. Cleveland oversees the integration of departmental resources, focusing specifically on optimizing fiscal transparency and operational accountability across the 587 square mile jurisdiction. By coordinating with various county departments, the Deputy Director aligns daily activities with the long-term strategic goals established by the board. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of service metrics to maintain high standards for the 400,000 residents served. Tim Cleveland drives process improvements that reduce bureaucratic friction, allowing for more responsive governance. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Deputy Director secures the operational foundation necessary for the county to function effectively. Cleveland maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer resources support critical infrastructure and community programs throughout the region.

Linda Bixby, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, directs the implementation of public health and safety initiatives across the county. Bixby architects comprehensive programs that address the evolving needs of the population, ensuring that community wellness remains a top priority. The Deputy Director collaborates with regional partners to expand access to essential services, focusing on the unique demographic challenges present in the southeast Twin Cities Metropolitan area. By analyzing health data and service utilization, Linda Bixby identifies gaps in coverage and executes targeted interventions to improve outcomes. This role involves managing complex inter-agency relationships to streamline service delivery and maximize the impact of public funding. Bixby maintains a commitment to data-driven decision-making, ensuring that all health-related policies reflect current best practices. Through consistent engagement with community stakeholders, the Deputy Director fosters a safer, healthier environment for all residents.

Sarah Reetz, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, oversees the management of public infrastructure and land use planning. Reetz directs the development of sustainable growth strategies that balance the needs of a expanding population with the preservation of the county's 587 square miles of territory. The Deputy Director coordinates with engineering and environmental teams to ensure that all construction and maintenance projects meet rigorous safety and quality standards. By evaluating long-term land use trends, Sarah Reetz shapes policies that support economic development while protecting natural resources. This leadership position requires balancing competing interests from various stakeholders, including local businesses and residential communities. Reetz ensures that infrastructure investments align with the broader mission of the county, facilitating efficient transportation and utility access. Through strategic planning and project management, the Deputy Director maintains the physical integrity of the region for future generations.

Allen Godfrey, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, manages the technological infrastructure and digital transformation efforts for the organization. Godfrey architects secure and scalable IT systems that support the diverse needs of county departments, ensuring that digital services remain accessible to the public. The Deputy Director drives the adoption of modern software solutions to improve data management and inter-departmental communication. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols, Allen Godfrey protects sensitive resident information from emerging digital threats. This role involves evaluating new technologies to determine their potential for enhancing government efficiency and service delivery. Godfrey collaborates with other leadership members to integrate digital tools into daily operations, fostering a culture of innovation. Through the implementation of robust IT strategies, the Deputy Director ensures that the county remains technologically competitive and responsive to the digital expectations of the modern population.

Byrne Roseanne, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, leads the human resources and talent management functions for the county workforce. Roseanne directs recruitment, training, and employee development programs to ensure that the organization attracts and retains top-tier public servants. The Deputy Director architects policies that promote a positive workplace culture, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and professional growth. By managing labor relations and compensation structures, Byrne Roseanne ensures that the county remains a competitive employer in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to maintain compliance with labor laws while supporting the operational needs of various departments. Roseanne facilitates leadership development initiatives, preparing the next generation of managers to handle the challenges of local government. Through strategic workforce planning, the Deputy Director builds a resilient team capable of delivering high-quality services to the community.

Emily Schug, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, manages the financial planning and budgetary oversight for the county. Schug directs the allocation of resources across all departments, ensuring that fiscal policies align with the strategic priorities of the board. The Deputy Director architects long-term financial models that account for economic fluctuations and population growth within the region. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Emily Schug maintains the financial stability of the organization. This role involves preparing detailed budget reports and presenting financial data to stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. Schug collaborates with other executives to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize the use of public funds. Through rigorous financial analysis and prudent management, the Deputy Director secures the resources necessary to support essential community programs and infrastructure projects throughout the county.

Roseanne Byrne, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, oversees the social services and community support programs. Byrne directs the delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources such as housing, food security, and family support. The Deputy Director architects programs that address the root causes of social inequality, working to improve the overall quality of life for the 400,000 residents. By coordinating with non-profit organizations and state agencies, Roseanne Byrne expands the reach of social service initiatives across the southeast Twin Cities Metropolitan area. This role involves managing complex case management systems and ensuring that all services comply with state and federal regulations. Byrne maintains a focus on compassionate and effective service delivery, ensuring that community members receive the support required to thrive. Through strategic program management, the Deputy Director strengthens the social fabric of the county.

Jeff Harthun, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, manages the emergency management and public safety coordination efforts. Harthun directs the development of disaster response plans and ensures that the county remains prepared for various environmental and public safety threats. The Deputy Director architects training exercises that involve multiple agencies, fostering a coordinated approach to crisis management. By evaluating risk factors across the 587 square miles of the county, Jeff Harthun identifies vulnerabilities and implements mitigation strategies to protect residents and property. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to ensure seamless communication during critical incidents. Harthun monitors regional safety trends and updates protocols to reflect current best practices in emergency management. Through proactive planning and effective leadership, the Deputy Director ensures the safety and resilience of the community during times of crisis.

Tina Isaac, the Deputy Director at Dakota County, Minnesota, oversees the environmental services and waste management operations. Isaac directs the implementation of sustainability initiatives, focusing on waste reduction, recycling programs, and environmental protection efforts. The Deputy Director architects policies that ensure compliance with state environmental regulations while promoting eco-friendly practices throughout the county. By managing contracts with waste disposal providers and overseeing facility operations, Tina Isaac maintains the cleanliness and environmental health of the region. This role involves engaging with the public to promote awareness of environmental issues and encouraging community participation in sustainability programs. Isaac collaborates with other departments to integrate environmental considerations into land use and infrastructure planning. Through consistent oversight of environmental services, the Deputy Director protects the natural beauty and ecological health of the county for the benefit of all residents.