Otter Tail County welcomes new Deputy Administrator

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Commissioner Dan Bucholz (District 1) has been elected as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Bob Lahman (District 4) as Chair of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for 2026.

Leadership positions were selected during the opening Otter Tail County Commissioners meeting of 2026.

Commissioner Dan Bucholz (District 1) was elected as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Bob Lahman (District 4) as Chairman of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for the calendar year.

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Liz Mickelson is the new Deputy Administrator of the Finance, Property and License Management Services Team for Otter Tail County.

These leadership positions help guide board meetings and represent the county in regional partnerships.

Deputy Admin

Otter Tail County also welcomed Liz Mickelson as Deputy Administrator of the Finance, Property and License Management Services Team, as County Administrator Nicole Hansen introduced her to the County Commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting. 

Kris Vipond administered the oath of office to Mickelson as County Auditor-Treasurer, as required by Minnesota statute.

Mickelson brings 10 years of public accounting experience to the position. She has spent her career performing financial statement audits for local governments across Minnesota, managing audits for numerous counties. Through this work, she has gained expertise in county operations, state and federal compliance, and the implementation of new accounting standards.

“We’re thrilled to have Liz join our team,” Hansen said. “Her extensive experience working with counties throughout Minnesota gives her a unique understanding of the complexities of county government. She’s going to be a tremendous asset to Otter Tail County.”

Mickelson will succeed Kris Vipond, who has been serving as the Interim Deputy Administrator of Finance following Wayne Stein’s retirement.

“After spending the last 10 years traveling around the state to various audit clients, I am excited to put my energy and focus into serving one community, Otter Tail County,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from South Dakota State University and a master’s degree in accountancy from North Dakota State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Minnesota.

Originally from Albert Lea, Mickelson now lives in the area with her husband and two young children. In her free time, Mickelson enjoys sewing, fishing and reading.