Anoka County has officially named Jim Dickinson as its new county administrator, following the retirement of Rhonda Sivarajah, the announcement followed a meeting held by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners on July 23. Dickinson, who brings with him a substantial track record in government administration and accounting, was selected from a pool of three finalists after a search process that spanned several months.
With a professional journey that winds back nearly two decades, Dickinson has dedicated the better part of his career to public service within the realm of city administration for Andover. He also boasts prior experience as a finance director, and as an interim administrator spanning five years, and his roots in Anoka County run deep with stints as an accounting manager and senior accountant. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University, according to the county's press release.
Mike Gamache, chair of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, highlighted Dickinson's over three decades of public sector work as a defining factor in his appointment. "Jim stood out among the applicants because he has more than 30 years of experience in the public sector – as a city administrator, finance director, and he worked in accounting for Anoka County. He’s a great addition to our leadership," Gamache remarked.
Dickinson's appointment ushers in a period of transition as he prepares to leave his current role in Andover, with his official tenure at Anoka County slated to commence in September. "Being the new administrator in Anoka County is kind of a homecoming for me," Dickinson said, reflecting on his previous tenure with the county. "Many of the faces have changed since I worked here last, but there are a few people who are still here. I’m excited to reconnect with them, and work with new staff and commissioners. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I welcome the challenge."
