MINNEAPOLIS—Hennepin County is pleased to announce the appointment of Jodi Wentland as its new county administrator, effective August 1, 2025. Wentland currently serves as deputy county administrator and assistant county administrator for Health and Human Services. She brings more than three decades of experience in county government, including 15 years in executive leadership roles. 

Given her deep operational knowledge, strategic insight and a steadfast commitment to public service, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve her appointment as county administrator at its Tuesday, July 29, board meeting.  

Wentland succeeds David Hough, who will begin a phased retirement from his more than 40-year career at the county, including the last 13 years as county administrator.  

In her new role, Wentland will provide leadership and oversight across a broad range of county functions, helping to ensure continued excellence in service delivery, organizational stability and responsiveness to the needs of Hennepin County residents. With a proven track record of collaboration and integrity, she is well positioned to help lead Hennepin County through a time of ongoing change and opportunity.  

“Jodi Wentland is a trusted and passionate leader, committed to the mission of Hennepin County and its residents,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Dr. Irene Fernando. “Her deep knowledge of our operations and her dedication to community care make her the right person to support and guide our workforce and services into the future.”  

With more than 9,000 employees serving residents across 104 service locations and work sites, Wentland’s leadership will continue the county’s strong focus on workforce well-being, community-centered services and innovation in government.  

“Each department, team and individual employee plays a vital role in our work,” said Wentland. “I am honored to step into this role and to continue building on the incredible work being done across the county. Together, we will remain focused on the people we serve and the values that unite us.”  

Hennepin County is the largest county in the State of Minnesota, with a population of nearly 1.3 million people. Hennepin is the thirty-fourth largest by population out of 3,100 counties in the United States.