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Cass County names Sarah Heinle finance director after internal search
Summary
The Cass County Commission appointed Sarah Heinle as finance director after interviewing four finalists from a 52-applicant pool. Heinle is the internal candidate recommended by the hiring panel; the commission voted unanimously to confirm the appointment.
The Cass County Commission on Sept. 22 appointed Sarah Heinle as the county’s finance director after a multi-stage recruitment that began with 52 applicants and ended with four finalists.
Tracy Peters, who led the selection process, told the commission the hiring panel narrowed 52 applicants to a short list and then interviewed four finalists in person before recommending Heinle, an internal candidate. "We brought 4 of them forward as finalists, and we conducted those interviews... and of course, Commissioner Flacknell and you, Mr. Chair, joined us... the committee all agreed that we would bring her name forward as our new finance director," Peters said.
County Administrator Mr. Wilson praised Peters’ work on the search and highlighted Heinle’s combined responsibilities. "I think it is important to recognize the uniqueness and the importance of this skill set of not only running a finance office, which is in and of itself a very big task, but then also having the full election responsibility on top of that," Wilson said.
Heinle addressed the commission after the confirmation vote and declined to make a formal speech, saying she looked forward to continuing to serve the county. "I look so forward to this opportunity to continue serving Cass County government and the people of Cass County," she said.
Formal action: The commission moved to appoint Sarah Heinle as finance director at salary grade AE-83, step 3 (as printed in the motion). The motion passed by roll call vote with all voting commissioners recorded in favor.
Process details provided in the meeting: Peters described the selection steps as an initial virtual screening panel that trimmed the applicant pool, followed by an in-person panel interview that included county and regional officials. The recommended candidate was an internal applicant; Peters said the panel judged all finalists to be strong but recommended Heinle for her expertise.
What remains open: The commission will incorporate Heinle into ongoing budget work for 2026 and transition responsibilities tied to finance and election administration as needed.
