New City Administrator Begins Work This Week

Newly appointed Cottage Grove City Administrator Charlene Stevens began work in that position this week. The Cottage Grove City Council finalized a contract with Stevens at their Sept. 2 meeting. The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council, serves as the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible for administration of all departments, functions and affairs. Stevens holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and an undergraduate degree in International Relations. She most recently served as the City Administrator for the City of Willmar. Stevens comes to the City with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in local government, including rural, urban and suburban areas. Stevens is excited about the great things currently happening in the city, including the redevelopment of the Gateway North shopping center, the new business and expansions in the industrial park, new housing developments, and the investment and reinvestment in the parks and trail system.