MetCouncil appoints next regional administrator
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Metropolitan Council Chair Adam Duininck has appointed Wes Kooistra as regional administrator of the Twin Cities area council, replacing Pat Born, who will retire July 3.
“Wes Kooistra is a proven leader and is committed to the council’s mission of fostering efficient and economic growth for a prosperous metropolitan region,” Duininck said. “He will continue our work of building strong partnerships with communities so that our region can thrive well into the future.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to working with the new chair and council to achieve the goals this council has established for the agency and the region,” said Kooistra. “Chair Duininck has made it a priority to meet and engage with local decision makers in a way we haven’t experienced before. I’m excited to work with him to build strong relationships with the council’s partners and to further our important work in the areas of water, transportation, housing and economic competitiveness.”
Kooistra has served more than 20 years in public sector, senior executive posts. Prior to joining the council, Kooistra worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where he served under three administrations in executive capacities, including chief financial officer, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for mental and chemical health services.
At the council, Kooistra served as chief financial officer from 2008 to 2011. In his current role as deputy regional administrator, he is responsible for the oversight of the agency’s financial management, information technology, contracts and procurement, human resources, government relations and communications functions.
The council is expected to approve Kooistra’s appointment at its June 24th meeting so he can take the helm on July 4.
