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In the recognition and awards portion of Tuesday morning’s Mower County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board and several Mower County staff members honored County Administrator Trish Harren Gjersvik for over six years of service.

Harren Gjersvik announced earlier this month that she was stepping down to take the City Administrator position with the City of Crosby, which is near Brainerd.

The presentation, which was oftentimes emotional, featured several from the county who spoke directly to the impact Harren Gjersvik has had on their own time with the county.

“When I started here, It was a leap of faith because I came from a county where I had an amazing administrator,” said Kris Kohn, the head of Human Resources. “I really found a mentor and a teammate and someone who believes in my abilities.”

That support was a common theme across the board for many of those who spoke including Board Chair Polly Glynn, who lauded Harren Gjersvik for her dedication to the county and what she was leaving behind.

“We are saying goodbye and allowing her to phase into retirement while being closer to her family,” Glynn read from a statement. “Trish, you’ve left your tracks and you certainly paved the way. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”

At the same time, Harren Gjersvik has been recognized for her time collaborating with the City of Austin, something that was noted by Austin Police Chief David McKichan.

“Everybody on the city side has said great things. She’s been a great collaborative partner,” McKichan said. “From the city perspective, she’s just been a great person to work with and I think the city and county are much stronger for you being here.”

For her part, Harren Gjersvik expressed the joy she’s had working in role as the first county administrator for Mower County after the transition from county coordinator. While she nearly left once before, this time she said everything was in the place to make the move smooth.

“I thought I was ready. The county was ready,” Harren Gjersvik said. “Neither the county nor myself was ready and today we’re in a very different place. There are so many great leaders I’m actually not needed.”

But more than helping guide the county to a stronger base, Harren Gjersvik said her favorite part was finding success with the employees of the county, something she did Tuesday morning when she announced that Kohn was this year’s Leader of the Year for Mower County.

“My favorite aspect of my job really is celebrating others,” Harren Gjersvik said. “Kris is not just a leader, but a pillar of strength for everyone.”

Harren Gjersvik’s last day with the county is Friday and then she will start her job with Crosby on April 28.

Look for a feature on Harren Gjersvik looking back on her time with the county later this week.