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Ben VanTassel selected as new Director of Administrative Services

[Duluth, MN] The City of Duluth has named Ben VanTassel the new Director of Administrative Services. Mr. VanTassel will replace Chelsea Helmer beginning on February 15, 2022. The director of Administrative Services oversees the City Clerk’s Office, Information and Technology Division, and Human Resources Division.

"We are thrilled to have Ben serve in this new capacity," Mayor Emily Larson said. "He is a proven leader within our organization and is known in our community for his intentionality and transparency. Ben's ability to overcome obstacles and proactively strategize makes him a great fit for this role."

Ben has been with the City of Duluth since 2009, serving in various roles within the Planning & Economic Development Department. Since 2019, Ben has served as the Planning & Development Division manager. His accomplishments include designing and leading a reorganization of the Planning and Development Division, development and implementation of the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan Update, daily supervision of 16 staff members, and oversaw day-to-day operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ben also conducted many system improvements of the Community Development Program, which included over $3 million in annual grant management.

“I am excited to continue serving our community in this new role. While I remain passionate about engaging our community in improving our built environment, I am especially excited to focus on internal organizational work that furthers our efforts to be accessible, equitable, and efficient.”

"Ben stood out as a candidate," Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman said. "His experience and approach has made him a trusted staff leader and I am excited to work with him in this new role. Ben knows the ins and outs of the City and has extensive experience in managing many of our boards and commissions. He also has worked closely with other departments and is passionate about the City's services.”

Ben has a Master’s in Business Administration, with an emphasis on Leadership and Change, from the College of Saint Scholastica and a Bachelors in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Ben is originally from Blackduck, Minnesota and has lived in Duluth since 2001.

The Duluth City Council will vote to appoint Mr. VanTassel at the February 14 meeting.

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