MnCCC Spotlight: Bridgitte Konrad
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Sunrise Township (don’t blink or you’ll miss it!) and have lived and worked in Chisago County my entire life. Fresh out of business college I had a short stint in the private sector but found my passion in the public sector about a year after I started my public sector career in the City of Branch where I wore all of the hats, budget, clerk of the board, janitor, zoning administrator, etc which prepared me for future advancement. When the cities of Branch and North Branch consolidated I became the clerk/assistant administrator and eventually served as the City Administrator. After 27 years in the municipal world, I decided it was time for a change and came to Chisago County. My husband Bruce and I just celebrated our 35 anniversary. He is a small business owner so keeping his books is my “other job”. Earlier this month our son and his wife just brightened our world with our second grandchild. I enjoy spending time at the lake with family and friends…I am pretty spoiled, I live on a lake, my parents have a cabin on Leech Lake and I have a fabulous view of the lake from my office….good thing I enjoy the lake. I also love to garden, cook, and bake.
What was your first job?
My first job was for my family’s business. They sell asphalt maintenance equipment. My job was to assemble equipment manuals (I still hate the sight of a comb binding machine) and stuffing envelopes for promotional mailings. To get away from the family business, I was a car hop at the drive-in. They had a sign “Bosco’s Burgers, better than real food”. I still wonder about that!
What is your role with Chisago County?
I am the Auditor-Treasurer. When I came to the County I was the Chief Deputy-Auditor-Treasurer. I had the pleasure of working alongside Dennis Freed the Auditor-Treasurer while he got ready for retirement. In my roles at the City, I had worked with Dennis over the years so I thought I knew what he did…boy was I wrong! The Auditor-Treasurer wears so many hats and I was thankful for the time I had to pick his brain. I was appointed as the Auditor-Treasurer when Dennis retired after 40+ years at the County. I had big shoes to fill, then throw in an election during COVID. During that first year, I wondered what I had gotten myself into but weathered the storm and learned a lot.
What interests you about MnCCC?
When I first started at the County, Jon Eckel encouraged me to go the MnCCC conference. I was hesitant, but I am glad I did. It was one of the best things I’ve done. Not only have I learned about our software but more importantly, I’ve gained connections and friendships. Because of those relationships, I don’t feel silly asking a question about how to do something or bouncing ideas off of them. My advice to people, get involved you will not regret it. Yes, it takes time but those connections are invaluable.
What is something on your bucket list?
To travel to Europe with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter (she loves the movie Brave and last week informed me I needed to take her to Scotland!). To take a trip to Alaska to see the sites and go fishing.