Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Announces Department Director Appointments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2026

Matt [email protected]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Mayor Kaohly Her announced her intention to appoint the following Department Directors:

Deb Barber, Public Works

Deb brings a mix of public and private sector expertise to this role. Deb received her bachelor's degree in biomechanics and her master's degree in engineering mechanics. She currently serves as the District 4 Representative and Transportation Committee Chair on the Metropolitan Council and served as the Interim Chair until Robin Hutcheson was appointed. Deb has a depth of knowledge on transportation and transit issues that will be a great addition to the talented senior leadership team and staff across the department.

Sean Kershaw will continue his valued service with the City of Saint Paul as the Interim Operations and Special Projects Manager - helping us finish several large, outstanding projects and deliver continuity of service with the Public Works Department.

Joe Harney, Office of Financial Services

Joe brings a depth of experience in both state and local governmental budgeting and finance. His deep and broad work across healthcare and human services budgets at the state prepares him well for the complex municipal finance decisions. Joe has a bachelor's degree in government and public administration and a Master of Public Administration. Joe has also spent numerous years working with major Midwestern cities budget and finance departments.

Andy Rodriguez, Parks & Recreation

Andy is a lifelong public servant who has spent more than 20 years with the department in roles ranging from recreation leader to director. Following his appointment in 2022, Andy has championed expanded youth programming through cost-free initiatives and opportunities, strengthened outdoor recreation, and advanced major capital projects, including the North End Community Center, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory geothermal project, and Pedro Park, while addressing deferred maintenance across the system.

Jaime Wascalus, Office of Technology & Communication

Jaime has served as the Director of the Office of Technology and Communication since 2022. Prior to that she spent over ten years in multiple IT leadership roles at the University of Minnesota. Under Jaime's leadership, OTC completed a comprehensive organizational redesign to better position the office for the future, and is driving the City's transition toward modern, enterprise-wide systems that improve efficiency and service delivery. Last summer, Jaime led the coordinated response across departments and partners, guiding containment, system recovery, and critical decision-making under prolonged disruption. She is currently leading a $4-5 million Network and Infrastructure Modernization initiative to our past end-of-life cyber infrastructure.

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