Ramsey County has officially designated Alex Kotze as the Deputy County Manager and Chief Operating Officer, a newly minted position within the county's governance structure. Taking the helm of the Operations Service Team, Kotze is tasked with bringing about countywide coordination to enhance departmental synergies and operational efficiency. According to the announcement by Ramsey County, County Manager Ling Becker expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting Kotze's extensive experience in state and county government, and emphasizing the importance of internal operations in serving the community.
Kotze, whose resume boasts over 25 years of policy, financial, and executive leadership, was selected through an internal process aimed at strategically filling the position during a time of restructuring and realignment for the county. As mentioned in the release, her role will include a key focus on unity among various departments, aiming to quickly and efficiently deliver services to the residents. She is scheduled to begin this new chapter of her career on December 1, 2025.
"I am honored to step into this role at a time when government is facing real challenges, but also meaningful opportunities to strengthen how we do our work together," said Kotze, reflecting on her new appointment. She expressed her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for county employees and improving interdepartmental coordination in order to better meet the operational needs of Ramsey County.
Before her current promotion, Kotze joined Ramsey County as chief financial officer in 2020 and took on the accountability for an $870 million operating budget. More recently, she acted as the interim deputy county manager of the Health and Wellness Service Team, effectively managing various sectors, including Social Services and Community Corrections. Her new responsibilities will involve her in driving the strategy, planning, and execution of services that support county operations, such as property management, finance, and information services, as per the county's statement.
Kotze's educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a master's in public policy from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Known for her active community involvement, Kotze serves in multiple capacities, including as a guest lecturer, a Girl Scout of River Valley Treasurer, and a State of Minnesota SEIU Orientation Trustee. She brings this community-centric spirit to her role in Ramsey County's leadership team, all while balancing her life in Saint Paul with her family and an assortment of pets.
