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LAWA appoints Spencer Halvorsen as first executive director; board approves Fargo employment arrangement
Summary
The LAWA board voted to appoint Spencer Halvorsen as its first executive director with a tentative June 22 start date and approved an employment agreement with the city of Fargo; Fargo and Grand Forks will cover 2026 costs with reimbursement to be addressed in the 2027 budget.
The LAWA board voted to appoint Spencer Halvorsen as LAWA's first executive director and approved an employment agreement coordinated with the city of Fargo.
Bruce Grubb briefed the board on the selection process: seven applicants applied, the selection committee interviewed three finalists on May 18 and forwarded Spencer Halvorsen as the committee's recommended candidate. The board moved, seconded and approved the recommendation in a roll-call vote.
Grubb said Fargo will cover the employment-related costs in 2026 and LAWA will propose a reimbursement agreement for non-Fargo shares as part of the 2027 budget process. He also noted ancillary expenses (office space, IT, supplies) associated with the position that Fargo is not seeking to be reimbursed for.
Halvorsen introduced himself briefly, described his background as city administrator in Devil's Lake and his experience working with rural water systems, and said he looks forward to starting and meeting board members.
What happens next: Halvorsen's tentative start date is June 22. The hiring and reimbursement mechanics will be brought back to the board during 2027 budget planning.
