Mike McQuade in the new Human Resources director for Faribault County. He comes to the county with over 20 years of experience working for companies such as Case New Holland, JBS Foods and Winnebago Industries. He comes to Blue Earth with his wife, Lindsey, and three children, Madelyn, Calvin and Daxton.

Mike McQuade is the new Human Resources director for Faribault County. He replaces Amanda Shoff who left to take a similar job in Mower County.

A Wisconsin native who was employed by Case New Holland in Racine, Wisconsin, McQuade is actually quite familiar with the Blue Earth area.

“My wife, Lindsey (Gjere) is from this area,” McQuade says. “She has quite a few family members here.”

The McQuades have three children who have also made the move to Minnesota. They are Madelyn who is 10 years old, Calvin who is six and Daxton who is three. The family also has a young boxer puppy named Millie.

“Besides having family already living in the area, my wife and I feel that Blue Earth is a great community,” McQuade states. “We think it is a wonderful place to raise our family.”

McQuade says that his interest has always been in Human Resources.

“I have worked mostly in the private sector for over 20 years,” McQuade comments. “In addition to Case New Holland, I also worked for JBS Foods in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Colorado and for Winnebago Industries in Forest City, Iowa.”

Whether working in the private sector or for the public sector, McQuade shares his approach to being a Human Resources director is the same.

“I am naturally interested in designing and delivering solutions for team members in their work environment,” McQuade remarks. “The goal is to create positive work environments that are best in class and help put employees in the best position possible so they can succeed. Though there may be some differences between the public and private sector, the most important part of any HR role is grounded in providing top-notch service to those you are supporting.”

Since he is new to the job in Faribault County with his first day on the job on June 8, McQuade is spending an abundant amount of time training and developing an understanding of how the county functions.

“Part of my job involves being the resident expert for all HR functions including employee benefits like insurance and payroll,” McQuade says. “I want to put the county in a position to provide excellent customer service while striving to establish Faribault County as an employer of choice with the intention to attract and retain top talent in all of the roles that are needed to support the citizens of this county.”

McQuade admits that translating positive change ideas into action can be a slow process.

“It is very rewarding seeing great programs come to fruition – knowing that you are successfully supporting all the members of the county and being able to deliver solutions to problems of any shape and size,” McQuade remarks. “We are a customer-service organization and we want to ensure that the expectations of strong customer service from everyone we serve are regularly exceeded and we will strive to accomplish those things with enthusiasm and excellence.”

Faribault County coordinator Brian Hov says McQuade is off to a good start.

“Mike is digging in and doing a great job bringing his experience to the job,” Hov says. “We are excited to have him.”

While he knows he will be busy building relationships and learning the county business from the ground up, McQuade knows it is also important to have a life away from the job.

“My wife and I coach our kids in various sports. I have coached soccer, baseball and basketball teams and Lindsey has coached our daughter’s softball teams,” McQuade says. “I enjoy golfing and spending time outdoors with my family whether it is camping, swimming or just spending time with family and friends around the fire.”