Hennepin County Sheriff-Elect Dave Hutchinson announces leadership team

Hennepin County Sheriff-­elect Dave Hutchinson on Friday announced his leadership team, which he said was selected through an open application and interview process with candidates from across the county.

Hutchinson, who defeated Sheriff Rich Stanek by fewer than 2,400 votes, takes office Jan. 7.

"The call to join the new Sheriff's Office administration resulted in outreach from outstanding individuals from outside the agency, as well as many internal candidates," said Hutchinson. "We're happy to say that we found many of the most-qualified candidates within the agency. We're excited to tap into their experience as we move forward with new priorities for the Sheriff's Office."

Members of the new leadership team, which oversees the sworn deputies, include:

• Major Tracey Martin, currently commander of the Adult Detention Court Services Bureau, will assume leadership of the Sheriff's Office as Hutchinson's chief deputy. She has 22 years of experience in a variety of roles with the Sheriff's Office.

"She has a breadth and depth of experience that allows her to step into the position with a small learning curve. She enjoys a great reputation throughout the public safety community in the county," Hutchinson said.

• Lt. Bob Staupe, currently commander of the Employee Development Unit, will become commander of the Enforcement Services Bureau. Hutchinson said Staupe was widely respected by other Sheriff's Office employees and will bring much-needed experience to addressing employee concerns in the bureau.

• Major Jeffrey Storms, who is the current chief deputy, will remain as part of the leadership team as commander of the Administrative Services Bureau. He brings 27 years of experience to the job.

• Lt. Patrick King, currently commander of the Violent Offender Task Force, will become commander of the Investigations Bureau. Hutchinson said King has vast experience as an investigator and has worked on a number of collaborative investigations with other agencies.

Hutchinson also announced several key officials to take on administrative roles:

• Rob Allen will serve as the sheriff's chief of staff. He has extensive experience in law enforcement agencies, including leadership roles with the Minneapolis police and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

• Tim Stout will continue as senior administrative manager. He has experience in developing innovative strategies, writing grants and managing budgets in federal and local positions.

• Jeremy Zoss will be communications director. Zoss, who was part of Hutchinson's election campaign team, has more than 15 years of communications experience.

• Jens Undlin will be Intergovernmental Relations coordinator. He worked in the office of former U.S. Sen. Al Franken and most recently served as a field coordinator in U.S. Rep.-elect Dean Phillips' congressional campaign.

"We have put together an amazing team that combines years of experience within the agency as well as bringing a number of people who bring outside perspectives," said Hutchinson. "I am excited to get to work January 7."

David Chanen • 612-673-4465