Fargo officials release list of finalists for City Assessor position

(Fargo, ND) -- The City of Fargo says four finalists from a total of 31 applications have been selected to nominate a new City Administrator.

The four candidates; Kennith Haskin from Missouri, Pat Oman from Minnesota, James E. Puffalt from Saskatchewan, and current interim City Administrator Michael J. Redlinger, will be interviewed live on December 16th beginning at 7 a.m in the Fargo City Commission Chambers. Details on the candidates can be found below...

Kenneth Haskin | Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Haskin is the City Manager for Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Haskin has more than 25 years of  "progressive, responsible experience in public management" working as a senior-level administrator. He graduated from Brinkley High School in Arkansas, received a Bachelor's in Management from Henderson State University, and a Master's in Public Administration from Webmaster University. Haskin also has an accreditation from the International City/County Management Association and is an active member of the Arkansas city Managers Association and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador/Board Member.

Pat Oman | Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Oman has worked in government administration for 20 years in multiple roles. He served as the Regional Community/Economic Development Director for the East Central Regional Development Commission, and the Director of Economic Development for Carlton County, MN. He worked several public administration positions in Moose Lake and Mille Lacs, MN. Oman was appointed County Administrator for Becker County, MN, in 2021. Oman has Bachelor's degrees in Biology and History from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and Master's degrees from the University of St. Thomas in Manufacturing Systems and Business Administration. He also has graduate level training in programs like Advanced Program Management, Economic Development Practices, has earned a Economic Development Finance Professional certification, and has Public Information Officer training.

James E. Puffalt | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

Puffalt has 30 years of experience as a City Manager in Canada across various cities; including Dauphin, Manitoba, Estevan, Saskatchewan, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He also served as a Chief Policy Advisor, Chief Strategist, and a Chief Administrative Officer and Coach. According to the summary released to WDAY Radio, Puffalt has found successes in focusing on city's core business services, placing emphasis on the entrepreneurial culture. The release also focused on Puffalt's skills revolving around service-based government, strategic planning, community safety, economic development, effective governance, and several other categories. Puffalt has a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Canada West, Vancourver, British Columbia. 

Michael J. Redlinger | Fargo, North Dakota

Redlinger is the current Interim City Administrator for The City of Fargo and served as the Assistant City Administrator between July 2016 and June 2022. Redlinger previously served as City Manager, Acting City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Assistant to the City Manager for Moorhead, Minnesota, between 2001 and 2016. He has a Master's Degree in Public, Human Service, and Health Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead, is a member of the International City/County Management Association, and served on several committees for the ICMA. Redlinger also was a board member and treasurer of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. 

You can find more details on the candidates by clicking here.