Pete Giesen honored with Outstanding Service Award from Association of Minnesota Counties

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Deputy County Administrator Pete Giesen was presented with the Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). The prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and active engagement in county government and the association. Giesen accepted the award during the AMC Annual Conference Awards Banquet on December 9.   

Giesen will retire at the end of December 2025, concluding a remarkable 42-year career in public service with Olmsted County. He began his career in 1983 as an environmental health sanitarian and spent much of his tenure in Public Health, where he served as director from 2011 to 2017. Under his leadership, the department achieved national accreditation, launched a community health assessment and planning process, and secured long-term investments in health promotion initiatives.  

In 2018, Giesen transitioned into broader leadership roles, first overseeing the General Government division and currently serving as Deputy County Administrator for Physical Development. In this role, he has provided strategic oversight to various departments such as Parks and Trails and Public Works. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing key county priorities, including environmental sustainability and responsible growth and development. He has also played a vital role in fostering partnerships that contribute to the county’s long-term success. 

Colleagues describe Giesen as a genuine and collaborative leader who leads with kindness, integrity, and accountability. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to Olmsted County, its staff, and the communities it serves.

We congratulate Pete Giesen and wish him the very best in retirement. 

*Photo is courtesy of the Association of Minnesota Counties.