4.7. SR 06-21-2021
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.7
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent June 21, 2021 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Hire Economic Development Director Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the hiring of Brent O’Neil to the position of Economic Development Director effective June
22, 2021.
Background/Discussion
The Economic Development Director position has been vacant since Amanda Othoudt left in October. We went
to market to fill this position and received 16 applications. We held initial interviews with seven candidates and
invited three back for second interviews. Following a leadership assessment, reference, and background checks, we
recommend Brent O’Neil for this position.
Mr. O’Neil has been working in the planning and economic development field since 2006, most recently as the
Economic Development Manager for the City of Sioux Falls. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Community
Development from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies from
Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Mr. O’Neil will begin work on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, and will begin at step C of pay grade 4E. All other pay and
benefits will be consistent with city policy.
Financial Impact
This is a budgeted position.
Mission/Policy/Goal
N/A
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020