Port Authority votes to hire firm to lead search

 

The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency is still searching for an executive director, two months after Ryan Nolander left the position for a spot in Rochester.

The Albert Lea Port Authority voted Wednesday to hire a search firm to help in the search, said ALEDA Small Business & Marketing Manager Noelle Hagen. That process is expected to be complete before the board’s next meeting Sept. 5.

The search continued after three candidates were interviewed the week of July 2 through July 6. One candidate reportedly declined a job offer after he received a counter-offer from his current employer, another economic development agency, Hagen said.

A second candidate reportedly did not pass a background check, and the ALEDA board declined to move forward with the third candidate.

Hagen, who is conducting executive director duties until a new director is hired, said she “appreciates” the board going through the proper process to hire a new executive director.

She acknowledged though she is disappointed a director has not been hired, she understands the importance of the process.

Nolander, who served as executive director of ALEDA since 2013, replaced Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. President Gary Smith, who retired after 29 years.