Kari Collins named Ramsey County deputy county manager of Economic Growth and Community Investment
Ramsey County has named Kari Collins as the next deputy county manager of the Economic Growth and Community Investment (EGCI) Service Team. Collins was selected through a competitive search process that started last fall.
“Kari has been an incredible leader, bringing energy, vision, and a deep commitment to building a thriving and equitable community,” said County Manager Ling Becker. “Her ability to lead collaborative teams and drive innovative solutions will undoubtedly help us achieve bold outcomes for the residents we serve.”
The EGCI Service Team includes Community & Economic Development, Housing Stability, Library, Parks & Recreation, Property Management, Public Works, Workforce Solutions and now currently, Financial Assistance Services. The EGCI team collectively has a budget of $139 million with 572 employees and is focused on investing in accessible infrastructure, creating welcoming and inviting spaces, driving inclusive economic growth, and fostering innovative employment and training solutions for job seekers and businesses in Ramsey County.
With 20 years of economic development, community investment and leadership experience, Collins joined the county at the end of 2018 reprising the role of Community & Economic Development director after it had been dormant for 18 years. She immediately became a driving force for investment, innovation and collaboration and within a short time the county became a national and statewide leader driving economic inclusion efforts that have rippled throughout the region.
Under Collins’ leadership, the county’s Housing & Redevelopment Authority team was activated and programming created. As a result, the department was established, and the budget grew significantly to deploy over $20 million annually for housing, redevelopment and small business programming. She also was the visionary behind the county’s first Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan, which serves as a roadmap by which the county makes investments and drives strategies toward inclusive growth. This plan received an International Economic Development Council Award for Excellence in Equity in 2021.
Prior to joining the county, Collins held leadership positions with the city of Roseville and city of Milwaukee. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Augsburg University and a Master of Science in Urban Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
In February 2024, Collins was asked to serve as the interim deputy county manager of EGCI when then EGCI Deputy County Manager Johanna Berg stepped into the role of interim county manager. She continued to serve in this role when Berg later transitioned into a new leadership role within the county.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to continue serving as deputy county manager for the Economic Growth and Community Investment team,” Collins said. “This opportunity allows me to continue to contribute to our community in meaningful ways alongside an incredibly talented and dedicated team to continue making Ramsey County a great place to live, work and thrive.”
Collins grew up in Ramsey County and is passionate about serving the region that raised her. She currently lives in Blaine with her husband and two boys, Soren (14) and Kellan (11). Collins enjoys any and all sporting events, but most specifically watching her boys play basketball.
She actively participates in her community including previously serving on the Karen Organization of Minnesota and Amplio Economic Development Corporation board. In 2024 Kari was named to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 Under 40.
She will be officially start in the permanent role on Monday, Jan. 20.