By Rich Larson
Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig is one of five finalists to lead the city of Richfield.
In a statement to KYMN, Martig confirmed he is a finalist for the position.
“I value the relationships and work we have built together during my ten years serving Northfield. Personal considerations and professional goals led me to explore this opportunity, including Richfield’s Twin Cities location, strong sense of community, and its redevelopment opportunities,” Martig said. “The selection process is ongoing, and no decision has been made. I remain focused on my responsibilities in Northfield and working with Council, staff, and community partners to advance our priorities.”
The Richfield City Council will hold final interviews Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Candidates will tour the city Wednesday, Nov. 4. That evening, residents can meet the finalists and give feedback to the council at a public reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richfield Municipal Center. Interviews are set for Thursday, Nov. 5, and the council expects to make a decision that night.
Martig has served as Northfield’s city administrator since May 2, 2016. Before that, he was city administrator in Marshall, Minnesota, from 2008 until April 2016.
Richfield is looking for a successor to City Manager Katie Rodriguez, who announced June 1 that she will retire in early 2027 after seven years with the city. According to Richfield Director of Communications Katie Aitchison, Rodriguez plans to leave at the end of January or the beginning of February. Her successor is expected to start a week or two before she departs.
The other finalists are Joseph Hatch, city administrator of Newport; Dana Hardie, city manager of Victoria; Marc Nevinski, city administrator of Shorewood; and Charles Yunker, city manager of St. Anthony Village.
GMP Consultants, which managed the search, said it received 43 applications from 12 states. The field was narrowed to 16 semifinalists before the council chose the five finalists.
“We were impressed with them all but believe we have the highest caliber of candidates with the five finalists,” Richfield Mayor Mary Supple said.
Richfield has about 36,600 residents and roughly 300 city employees. Northfield has about 22,000 residents and roughly 130 employees.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
