Tiffany Schrader assumed her duties as the new Wells city administrator on Jan. 15.

The city of Wells turned to a local person to fill the position of city administrator when Connor LaPointe announced his decision to resign from the position late last year.

Tiffany Schrader, a United South Central graduate, officially began her duties as the Wells city administrator on Jan. 15. But, in various ways, she has been preparing for this job for many years.

Her first job with the city of Wells was in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Her job eventually morphed into helping with finance and payroll responsibilities and working with the Housing Redevelopment Authority and the Economic Development Authority.

“When Connor became the city administrator, he created the position of Community Development director,” Schrader comments. “I filled that position and my work was focused on the EDA and HRA.”

Schrader grew up in Kiester and after graduating from USC she began her college education at Hamline University in St. Paul.

“It did not take me long to figure out that big city life was not for me,” the small-town girl says. “So I transferred to Minnesota State in Mankato.”

Schrader received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in corrections.

She interned at the Hoffman Center in St. Peter which is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to assessing and providing high quality, outcome based mental health services for children, adolescents and young adults.

“My intention had been to become a youth counselor, maybe in a school,” Schrader explains. “But I found it very difficult because I got so emotionally wrapped up and connected with the kids.”

So Schrader made a change.

“A position opened up in Blue Earth County as a custody jailer,” Schrader says. “I enjoyed that but once I had children it was time to make a change and find a job closer to home.”

Schrader, and her husband Ryan, live and farm just north of Easton. So, in order to work closer to home she found a job in Wells.

“I took a position at Wells Federal Bank,” she shares. “I worked with business development and training. I trained tellers at all of the bank’s branches and worked with large clients – both in retaining them and in getting new business for the bank.”

After working for Wells Federal for three years, the bank was bought out by CCF Banks.

“I loved working at the bank,” Schrader mentions. “At the same time, I became concerned about my job security once the buyout happened. There were many changes being made.”

So when the job at the DMV opened up, Schrader jumped at the opportunity to work at City Hall.

“As I progressed through the various jobs I undertook at City Hall, I was able to be involved and learn how the city government operates,” she adds.

When LaPointe announced his resignation, Schrader says she began considering applying for the job.

But, before she got that far, LaPointe made a recommendation to the City Council that they consider hiring Schrader.

“I was a little surprised when Connor brought forth his recommendation,” she comments. “He hadn’t said anything to me beforehand, but I am very grateful for what he did.”

As the start date for beginning her job as the city administrator approached, Schrader shares she was more excited than nervous.

“I have made many connections over the years with people who I can go to for help. I have already been contacted by a former city administrator who offered their assistance if I ever am in need of it,” Schrader comments. “The League of Minnesota Cities is also very helpful and provides a wonderful resource for me to utilize if I need it.”

Schrader realizes one area where she needs more experience is in the area of public finance.

“It is my goal to learn more about the financial aspect of the job which is why I am already planning on attending a public finance conference,” Schrader says. “Another goal I have is to familiarize myself with the budget.”

She says another challenge is dealing with the staff turnover at City Hall.

“Fortunately, we have been able to fill the positions with some wonderful people,” Schrader adds. “It will just take some time for everyone to settle in.”

Schrader notes that one of her goals is just to make sure everything is done correctly.

As far as long-term goals, Schrader stresses that she wants to see the city keep moving forward.

“But, we need to keep in mind the levy and try to keep any increases low,” she says.

There are already many improvements scheduled to take place in the city this year.

“One of the biggest and most welcome changes we will see is the reconstruction of the railroad crossing on Broadway,” Schrader offers. “That particular crossing has been so rough for so many years and we should see work beginning on the project sometime this spring.”

Other extensive road projects undertaken by the city this year include some major improvements on Fifth and Sixth avenues.

“Then, in 2026 the Highway 22 and Highway 109 projects will begin,” Schrader comments. “Those are Minnesota Department of Transportation projects and will be quite extensive.”

Schrader notes other improvements, such as upgrading the equipment at the Flame Theatre, are already in the works.

“The council approved the budgeted upgrades for the Flame Theatre at our last meeting,” Schrader explains. “The company performing the upgrades will not be able to get here for two or three months but once the work is complete people will see an improved picture while also enjoying an upgraded sound system. It will also be more reliable and easier to operate than our old system.”

Another important event in the near future is the completion of the Facilities Assessment report.

“It will be interesting to see what recommendations come out of that report. That remains to be seen,” Schrader explains. “It could include suggestions for new buildings or for remodeling what we have. The council will have to consider many things, including the cost, before any decisions can be made.”

Schrader says her family, which along with Ryan includes three boys ages five, nine and 12, keep her active when she is away from the office.

“They are involved in football, wrestling and basketball so we keep very busy chasing after them,” she says with a smile. “Family time is very important.”

She says if she gets a chance she enjoys the opportunity to sit down and read a book – preferably a suspense/murder mystery.

Now, as she settles into her new job, Schrader expresses her thankfulness for the community she lives and works in.

“I have had great support from the City Council, from co-workers and even from the people I meet on the street,” Schrader shares. “Residents are happy to have someone local as the city administrator. It is nice to know people have confidence in me.”