Tracy Hodel Sworn In as St. Cloud Administrator, Pledges Dedication to Community and Team

(KNSI) – It’s a new era in the City of St. Cloud with the swearing in of Administrator Tracy Hodel.

Hodel was officially promoted Monday morning during a special ceremony. Even though she just took the reins, Hodel told KNSI News she has been getting caught up to speed and working with her new team. “[I] just got an opportunity last week to meet with most of them one-on-one, and learn what their goals are and what they’re interested in for the future, and really jumping on those goals that the mayor has set, enhancing our level of customer service and quality of life for our community.”

Hodel made one vow after taking the oath of office. “My promise is to give my best for the mayor, for this community, for our St. Cloud team every single day. And there’s no doubt about that, I will.” Hodel has spent her entire career with the city, starting at the wastewater plant as a lab tech in 2001.

Mayor Jake Anderson told KNSI he’s made many appointments in his five months and explained why this is the most important so far. “When I’m not around City Hall, that’s who’s directing. And to be honest, she’s here every day putting in that time and that effort. And, in appointing Tracy, she shined bright, as you can tell by the number of folks that were out here, the number of comments made, the folks that know the folks that have worked with her, the folks that have met her throughout the community all speak glowingly of her.”

One of Hodel’s first tasks will be to find her replacement. She was the city’s public services director since 2019 and oversaw 135 employees in charge of engineering, public works, and public utilities departments. The job opening has been posted for the last three weeks, and applications are due by the end of Tuesday.

___