Planning, Personal Secretary Receives City's 'Employee of the Year' Award

Planning and Personal Secretary Kathie Hanson has been named the city's 2011 Employee of the Year.

"Hanson was nominated for the recognition by employees in the two departments to which she is assigned, Community Development and Administration. Her selection was confirmed by the City’s management team, led by City Administrator Dwight Johnson," according to a city news release.

According to Mayor Bill Droste, three city employees were nominated for this award. "You always have outstanding employees nominated," he said.

"Kathie quietly and consistently provides a positive, professional attitude and is a valuable resource to everyone,” said Assistant CityAdministrator Emmy Foster in a news release. “She willingly offers to assist others and does things outside her normal job responsibilities.  She frequently shifts gears as necessary to accommodate others."

Hanson has been a city employee since 2006. She is an Inver Hills Community College graduate. 

According to the city, her duties involve answering human resources questions, supporting the planning commission, and assisting the city clerk with elections. She also plans the city's business appreciation luncheon each year as well as help with the city's wellness program and fundraising drives.

"She is positive, very confident and highly skilled," Droste said.

"It's good to get recognized for the many different things I do outside of the regular scope of the position," Hanson said. "It was nice getting reconized for my hard work ... I didn't have any idea."

Hanson is the ninth city employee to receive this award. The city began recognizing employees for this award to honor those who "provide excellent customer service, achieve savings and efficiency in government, and serve as models of safe work habits."

Employee of the Year recipients have their names engraved on a plaque that is featured in the upper lobby of .