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Anoka County approves Human Services deputy director appointment and several service contracts and grants
Summary
The board appointed Kristen Awanaka as deputy director for Human Services, approved a $50,000 truancy‑pilot grant to the Catalaso Group, authorized a contract with Carter Group for psychological evaluations, and approved committee appointments to local advisory councils.
The Anoka County Board on Tuesday approved an employment agreement appointing Kristen Awanaka as deputy director for Human Services effective immediately.
Chair Scholte read the appointment and commissioners voted by roll call to confirm the hire. The appointee addressed the board, saying she was honored to be considered for the position and expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
Separately, the board approved three Human Services consent items on the consent agenda. Commissioner Meisner described the first as a $50,000 grant and contract (SCON26‑00001041) with the Catalaso Group, in partnership with local school districts and funded by an Anoka County/Children & Family Council grant, to pilot services for families with children experiencing habitual truancy.
The board also authorized contract SCON26‑0001097 with the Carter Group to provide psychological evaluations for court‑ordered juvenile and adult pretrial and post‑sentence clients, and passed resolution 2026‑S‑8, an update to the Anoka County Community Corrections two‑year comprehensive plan.
Commissioners approved reappointments to the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACAP) and multiple seats on the Adult and Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council for staggered terms ending in 2029. No items were pulled from the consent slate for separate discussion.
Next steps: Contracts and grant agreements will be executed per standard county contracting processes; the truancy pilot will proceed in partnership with school districts and program partners pending final contract execution.
