Moorhead council unanimously appoints Shawn Brandenburg as recreation director

The Moorhead City Council unanimously appointed Shawn Brandenburg as the city’s recreation director at its Jan. 27, 2025 meeting.

City Manager Molly recommended Brandenburg for the post under Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Moorhead City Charter, which requires the city manager to select department heads subject to council approval. Molly told the council Brandenburg has local ties, regional parks experience and professional certification from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Council Member Nelson moved to approve the appointment; Council Member Heather Niesemeyer seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with all members present voting “aye.” Mayor Shelley Carlson administered the welcome and invited Brandenburg to speak.

“I'm honored to be appointed as the next recreation director for the city of Moorhead,” said Shawn Brandenburg. He told the council he looks forward to working with the existing parks and recreation team and expanding opportunities for residents.

The city manager noted the recommendation was made after a formal selection process and cited Brandenburg’s prior seasonal work with Moorhead parks, further education in sports and facility management, and experience with the Billings Parks and Recreation Department and Morehead State University youth outreach.

Brandenburg replaces a long-serving director; council comments during the meeting referenced the previous director’s roughly 27 years of service.

Formal action: appointment confirmed by unanimous vote. The council did not set additional conditions or a start date in the meeting minutes.