Olmsted County announces upcoming retirement of longtime leader Pete Giesen

After an extraordinary career spanning nearly 42 years, Pete Giesen, deputy county administrator for Olmsted County, will retire on December 23, 2025.

Giesen has served as deputy county administrator since 2018, most recently leading the Physical Development division. Under his guidance, departments such as Environmental Resources, Parks and Trails, Planning, Property Records and Licensing, Public Works, and the Soil and Water Conservation District have flourished.

Giesen’s career began in Public Health, where he dedicated most of his time in public service. He held several key roles, including director of Public Health from 2011 to 2017. He also served as deputy administrator for the former General Government division (now known as Administrative Services) before assuming his current role.

“Pete has been a trusted leader, collaborator, and advocate for the well-being of our community,” said Olmsted County Administrator Travis Gransee. “His contributions have shaped programs, strengthened services, and left a lasting legacy in Olmsted County.”

Leadership transition

As Giesen transitions into retirement, Olmsted County is pleased to announce that Tony Hill, current division administrator for the Physical Development division, will step into the role of deputy county administrator of Physical Development. Hill began serving as division administrator in 2024, overseeing several departments and important projects, such as the creation of a Materials Recovery Facility. Hill joined Olmsted County in 1996 as the South Zumbro Watershed Coordinator and served as director of Environmental Resources before his promotion to division administrator in 2024.

Organizational changes

With this leadership transition, Property Records and Licensing (PRL) will move from Physical Development to Administrative Services. This change creates a balanced structure between the two divisions, with each consisting of five departments. Physical Development will continue to oversee Environmental Resources, Parks and Trails, Planning, Public Works, and the Soil and Water Conservation District under Hill’s leadership.

Additionally, since July 2023, Dave Dunn has been serving as department director for both the Housing and Planning departments. Effective immediately, Dunn will return to his role as director for the Housing department only. At this time, Allison Sosa will be appointed interim director of the Planning department, reporting to Tony Hill.

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Media contact: Emma Diercks, Communications specialist, 507-328-6166