The County Board's Open Appointments Policy and MN Statutes Section 383B.102 require that appointments to the unclassified service have confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.

Following an extensive recruitment process with significant national response, the County Administrator is recommending Michelle L. Farr be appointed as the Child Well-being Director (unclassified position of Human Services area manager).

Ms. Farr brings 30 years of child welfare system experience, her last position being the Deputy Director of Entry Services with the Washington, District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency. Ms. Farr has led complex reforms in Child Protective Services in the District using research-based and evidence-informed methods and tools, resulting in safely narrowing the number of children entering foster care by approximately 80% over the past two years. 

Ms. Farr is well respected as a leader in the District of Columbia and has demonstrated her capacity to positively lead others, to develop and implement strategies for better outcomes, and to establish system accountabilities. She brings a leadership model that reflects integrity, promotes diversity, leverages skills and expertise and maximizes community partnerships.

Ms. Farr is a Masters level Licensed Clinical Social Work; a Clinical Certified Forensic Counselor; a Certified Public Manager and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. These educational attainments, in combination with her proven results and transformative leadership, position her well to advance Hennepin County’s Child Well-being area into the future. 

As required by the Open Appointments Policy, a list of final applicants who interviewed for this position is on file with the Clerk of the County Board.