Isanti County appoints new administrator

Kevin VanHooser will take over Jan. 12

ISANTI COUNTY – Isanti County’s newest leader was chosen by the county board on Friday, Jan. 2.
Kevin VanHooser will take over the reins from Jerry Tvedt on Jan. 12.
Tvedt’s last day as county coordinator is Jan. 9.
VanHooser, the county’s current Family Services Director, was selected from a pool of 32 applicants. Six were interviewed, and then the board narrowed it down to two: Van Hooser and Duane Hebert of Wisconsin.
Deputy County Coordinator Barb Baar anticipates that there will be a smooth transition as VanHooser is already well-acquainted with the county and its policies.
“Kevin is highly qualified,” said outgoing County Commissioner Tom Pagel. “He’s got a good working relationship with department heads.” He also praised VanHooser’s past performance as director of Family Services, noting that VanHooser turned the department around financially.
VanHooser began working for Isanti County as a social worker in 1985. In 1991, he was promoted to Social Service Director. He has overseen the human services department as a whole since 2000.
VanHooser was raised locally, graduating from Princeton High School in 1976. He earned his bachelor of science in social work and psychology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.
Then he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Sheila. The two continue to reside in Princeton.
VanHooser’s first job was as a Mille Lacs County social worker.
In 1998, he returned to college, earning his master’s of management and administration from Metropolitan State University.
VanHooser was content working in human services, but was encouraged to apply for the county administrator job by Tvedt and other department heads.
He’s looking forward to the challenges serving as county administrator will bring. Most of all, he’s excited to embark upon something different after 28 years in the field of human services.
“The county board knows they can get along with me, and knows I can get along with department heads,” noted VanHooser.
He pointed out that he has managed a large department for eight years. “Managing people and a budget isn’t new to me,” VanHooser said.
His goal at the start is to get settled and learn the job as fast as possible knowing the challenges that await as the state seeks to deal with a budget deficit.
Baar expects that the county board will appoint VanHooser as the interim Family Services Director, as well, until a new one can be hired.
“My hands will be very full for a couple of months,” said VanHooser.