Hennepin County Profile

Learn more about how Hennepin County works for you, the District 3 team conducts a profile series with employees of the county who live in the district. Each month we spotlight a different person from varying departments and occupations.  Find out about the day-to-day aspects of occupational fields and work environments at the county, and how each person’s work affects your life.

Pam Fahlstrom Lyndale Neighborhood Administrative assistant                                                      District 3 office

Describe your work.
I was hired in December 2013 as an administrative secretary by Commissioner Gail Dorfman, thereby starting my most fulfilling and enjoyable employment position to date. I assisted her with the conclusion of her many years as county commissioner. Marion asked if I would stay on, and I did. My typical tasks are:

• Administrative support for the team and for Commissioner Greene in particular
• Scheduling Marion’s many appointments and arranging meetings
• Organizing board and committee materials for Marion’s review
• Handling phone calls and written and electronic correspondence, including constituent concerns

What part of your job do you find most challenging?
A very unique aspect of assisting a county commissioner is the number of individuals she comes in contact with. In scheduling meetings, the majority of my interactions with attendees was by phone or email. Due to the high volume of meetings it was almost impossible for me to memorize all the attendees' names, organizations, titles, etc. However, they would often remember who I was! Greeting a meeting attendee and placing a face to the name or voice from prior correspondences was such a delight!

What do you find most enjoyable?
What I enjoyed the most was assisting such a dynamic individual in her wide range of interactions with diverse individuals. It seems there were no limits to what she is willing to accomplish to connect individuals to further good work in the community. I felt great pride in Marion and my work assisting her to get good work accomplished. [Note from MG: Thank you, Pam! As you say below, it’s a team effort.]

What is one thing everyone should know about the work you do?
Everyone should know that my position and those on the 24th floor [the commissioners’ floor at Hennepin County Government Center] are just some of the many roles that jointly contribute to making Hennepin County a fantastic place to work and that together we make it happen! This was my first position at the county and it surprised me to learn the unique reputation the 24th floor has within the county. Selecting the floor button in the elevator sometimes got looks from other elevator riders. Sometimes statements or inquiries would follow. I encourage others to visit anytime they can.

What’s something surprising you learned from working for two commissioners?
Both the commissioners I supported are tireless and compassionate for humanity on a daily basis. The care, love, patience, respect, and concern that they have for their constituents, co-workers, and community partners is incredible. They have a deep-seated desire to assist in whatever way they can to progress and improve the life and community of others. They did this by sharing their wisdom, connecting individuals, and consistently prioritizing the daily expectations and concerns of the public. As I mentioned earlier, it has truly been a blessing and wonderful opportunity to be hired by Commissioner Gail Dorfman and to remain assisting Commissioner Marion Greene.