Two Minnesotans named as finalists for Rochester city administrator position

The City of Rochester has narrowed its search for a new administrator down to two candidates.

The finalists — both of whom currently hold jobs in Minnesota — will be interviewed by city leadership, the mayor, city council, and council-elect in early December with the intent of selecting a candidate by year’s end.

The position became open due to City Administrator Steve Rymer’s decision to relocate closer to family. Rymer was hired as the fourth administrator in city history in 2017 following the retirement of Steven Kvenvold.

In all, 59 candidates submitted applications for the job. The city has been working with the firm Baker Tilly on the process since last fall.

The selection of two female finalists means 2021 will mark the first time in history that the positions of mayor, council president, city administrator, county board chair, and county administrator will all be held by women.

The candidates

Heidi Nelson is the current City Administrator from Maple Grove, Minnesota. She has previously served as the City Administrator in Wayzata, Minnesota, the Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director for the City of Ramsey, Minnesota, and Assistant to the Blaine City Manager. Nelson received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.

Alison Zelms currently serves as the Deputy City Manager in Mankato, Minnesota, and has previous experience serving as the Deputy City Manager in Prescott, Arizona, the Assistant City Manager in Sedona, Arizona, and the Director of Administrative Hearings for the City of Evanston, Illinois. Zelms received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Augustana College and her Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Kansas.

Cover photos (left to right): Alison Zelms and Heidi Nelson