Scott County honors longtime quality improvement manager Chris Harder at retirement ceremony

Scott County commissioners and colleagues honored Christina “Chris” Harder on Feb. 18 at a retirement recognition during the Board meeting, lauding her role as the county’s first quality improvement manager and her decades in child protection and continuous improvement work.

Leslie Vermillion, who presented the recognition, summarized Harder’s career and highlighted her role creating the county’s annual report, Commissioner's weekly data report and work on continuous quality improvement. "She has transformed Scott delivers from business data to major initiatives our communities should care about," Vermillion said.

Harder joined Scott County on Jan. 6, 2014, after a career in Anoka County and at the state level. Vermillion outlined earlier positions — child protection worker, family services supervisor and a state child welfare quality assurance role — and described Harder’s move to countywide quality improvement in 2018. Presenters said Harder led data strategy that supported pandemic response and helped coordinate ARPA reporting and program tracking.

Colleagues described Harder as a facilitator, collaborator and steady presence. Remarks at the podium recalled her focus on outcomes, long hours on difficult projects and an upbeat approach. A fellow staff member said personal support during a life event illustrated Harder’s collegial style.

Harder accepted the recognition and thanked mentors and colleagues by name, including Pam Selvig and Suzanne Arntzen, and credited county leadership and division‑director peers for challenging and improving her work. The board presented a plaque recognizing Harder’s service from Jan. 6, 2014, to March 7, 2025.

The recognition concluded with photos and a brief recess; the board then resumed its regular agenda.