Title
Introduction of new and/or promoted City of Brookings employees.
Body
The following City of Brookings employee will be introduced to the City Council and public:
• Casey Bell - Human Resources Director
o Casey started working with the City of Brookings in 2019 as the HR Generalist. He then became the HR/Risk Manager in 2021, where he expanded his scope of work to include managing the City’s risk program. In his time away from work, Casey serves on the ADVANCE board and is constantly on the go attending his kids’ sporting events. Casey and his wife, Elizabeth, have 3 children Peyton (12), Greyson (8), and Eleyna (2). He is a born and raised resident of Brookings and an SDSU alum.
• Josh Bauman - Interim Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
o Josh Bauman started with the Parks Department as a seasonal employee in 2011 and in2013 he was hired fulltime with the department. After exhibiting quality leadership and organization skills he was promoted to the position of a Parks Supervisor in 2015. Josh has continued to grow in this position and is always willing to learn and explore more efficient ways of accomplishing work in the department. Recently he moved into the Interim Assistant Director position for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, in which he is doing a great job. Josh and his wife have two children, ages 4 and 2. They enjoy their summers going to the lake and spending time exploring our local park system.
• Paul Laleman - Parks Supervisor
o Paul started working with the City of Brookings in 2010 with the City’s Forestry Department. Paul then became a Parks Technician in the City’s Ballfields Division, where he utilized his prior knowledge and training to care for the City’s athletic facilities. Paul has been a great asset to the team over the years; we are excited about the energy and leadership he will bring to the department in his new role. In his time away from work Paul is an active member in the community as both a basketball and softball coach for his kids sports teams. Paul and his wife have 3 children ages 14, 10 and 6. He is an avid hunter with a passion for the outdoors.
• Ryan Burggraff - Forestry Supervisor
o Ryan Burggraff started his career with Forestry Department in 2014. Ryan spent one year with the Parks Department and the remainder of his time learning and growing with the Forestry Department. Ryan has excelled in every position he has held, he is very organized and has great leadership qualities with a great work ethic. He has shown that he is more than capable to be a leader in the short time that he has been a Forestry Supervisor. Ryan and his wife have 3 children and he enjoys coaching their youth sport activities. He also enjoys hunting with friends and family.
• Drew Ekeland- Assistant Manager Liquor Store
o Drew has been with the Liquor store for 19yrs. Drew has worked 8yrs part-time and 11yrs full-time for the Liquor store, Drew worked his way up from cashier/stocker to inventory clerk and has been a big part in the analyzing information and helping get the best products we can. In his time away from work Drew enjoys hiking, camping and video games. Drew is also a pet lover and enjoys spending time with his dog Freyja.
• Nita Gill - Adult Services Librarian / Operations Supervisor
o Nita Gill has been the Adult Services Librarian since 2010. This role includes maintaining the adult book collection through adding new materials and removing irrelevant or damaged ones, helping patrons with reference questions, and assisting the Library Director. She has served two stints as interim Library Director. In her new role, Nita will also supervise staff and oversee operations and building maintenance. Outside of work, Nita enjoys visiting family, reading, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts while walking her dog.
• Nancy Swenson - Tech Services Librarian / Programming Supervisor
o Nancy Swenson has been the Technology Services Librarian since 2017, and her role has focused on the Library's technology needs and audio/visual materials. Since 2017, she has added several new collections to the Library's offerings, including video games, board games, maker kits and puzzles. In 2021, she wrote and was awarded a $49,000 grant to start the Library's new Maker Lab. In her new role, she'll continue these responsibilities while also leading the Library's programming efforts and staff. In her free time, Nancy enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and their dog, Mauer.
• Lucas Dahl - Airport Manager
o Lucas started working with the City of Brookings in 2014 with the Parks Department and later moved to the Airport in 2017 where he served as an “Airport Operations and Maintenance Technician.” After the Airport Manager left the City last August, Lucas stepped up as the “Interim Airport Manager” until he was promoted to the “Airport Manager” in October of last year. Lucas has been the “go-to” guy for the airport for several years and he is excited about his new role. Lucas and his wife are natives to the area and have 4 children. Lucas enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for the outdoors.