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Crow Wing County honors outgoing County Attorney Don Ryan; colleagues cite mentorship as Kelsey prepares to step in
Summary
Board members and county staff on Sept. 9 honored County Attorney Don Ryan for roughly 30 years of service. Speakers praised his professionalism and mentorship; staff and commissioners noted an upcoming transition with Kelsey named by colleagues as a successor.
The Crow Wing County Board on Sept. 9 honored County Attorney Don Ryan for roughly three decades of service and heard colleagues describe his leadership and mentorship as the office prepares for a transition.
Janine LePage, who addressed the board at the chair’s invitation, described Ryan as “the consummate professional” and said he combines legal skill with “people first” leadership: “He sets an amazing example, through his integrity, his professionalism, his care for his employees, the residents of this county,” LePage said. She added that she believes Ryan has “set an amazing example” and noted that Kelsey has the qualities to step into the role.
Several county leaders and board members echoed those remarks. Sheriff Clang thanked Ryan for 30-plus years of steady leadership and calm during crises. The county administrator described Ryan as “a shining example of what it should be to be a public servant and a good community member” and said staff will work with Kelsey moving forward.
Ryan spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and saying serving the county had been “a pleasure.” Commissioner Lee described Ryan as a mentor who helped new county staff. The transcript records tributes from multiple speakers but does not show a formal action appointing a successor at this meeting.
Separately during board discussion the county administrator reported a senior management work session reviewing performance management templates and a proposed Crow Wing County pay plan expected to come before the board before year end. Commissioner Ford suggested the board hold periodic “planning and zoning 101” briefings to help members respond to constituent questions; the county administrator asked commissioners to submit topics and said staff would schedule a committee-of-the-whole session and record it for public use.
No formal appointment of Kelsey or other personnel action for the county attorney’s office was recorded in the meeting excerpt; the remarks were part of the recognition and general board business.
