Molly O'Rourke named to lead Washington County

Molly O'Rourke was named Washington County's chief administrator on Tuesday.

The County Board voted 5-0 to promote her to replace Jim Schug, who is retiring. O'Rourke, 53, will take the county helm on Jan. 27, the day after Schug leaves the job.

She has been the county's deputy administrator and budget director and before that, held positions in taxation, elections and the auditor-treasurer's office.

The top boss in Washington oversees an annual budget of more than $150 million and about 1,100 employees. The county has its government center in Stillwater and regional offices in Forest Lake and Cottage Grove.

"I don't see it as a job; I see it as a responsibility," O'Rourke said after her appointment. She said she would begin a search for her successor this week and was confident that person will come from the ranks of current employees.

"I have absolute confidence in the department heads we have," she said.

O'Rourke, who will earn $145,428, was one of three internal applicants for the job. The others were Kevin Corbid, who oversees elections and taxpayer services, and Don Theisen, who oversees public works.

Before going to work for Washington County in 1995, O'Rourke worked in various positions for the city of St. Paul, including as a policy analyst for the mayor.

As the county administrator, she will report to the five elected commissioners.

KEVIN GILES