Winter's Vision for a Thriving Wadena County Community
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
Colleen Winter has stepped into her new role as Wadena County’s county administrator, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for community. Having moved to the area with her husband over a year ago, she felt that applying for the position was the perfect opportunity at the right time.
“We’ve always wanted to live here because it’s such a beautiful area,” Winter shared. “When the opening came up, it felt like a great fit.”
Winter is no stranger to life in small towns. Her husband is a retired school administrator, and public service has always been important in their family. They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren, who previously lived in the Pacific Northwest.
For Winter, taking the job in Wadena County was both a personal and professional decision.
“I saw it as a great chance to bring my skills to help Wadena County grow,” she said.
She recognizes the region’s natural beauty and strong infrastructure as key benefits.
“It’s so picturesque. We have rivers, parks, and good broadband access, which is essential for people who work remotely. Not every area is as fortunate in this regard,” she noted.
Winter sees Wadena County as an appealing place for those looking to embrace a “greater Minnesota” lifestyle.
“People who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and golfing will find many opportunities here. The schools are also excellent, making this a great area for families.”
Bringing over 30 years of public service experience in leadership roles in cities, much of it in Greater Minnesota, Winter has a deep-rooted passion for small towns.
“I believe tight-knit communities are the backbone of Minnesota, and I’ve always loved working in these areas.”
As Wadena County adapts to the new county administrator structure, Winter is helping define her role. She views her job as a mix of strategist, mentor, and coordinator.
“The board makes policy decisions, and it’s my responsibility to guide them on how to meet those policies while ensuring the county runs smoothly,” she explained...
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