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Approving the appointment of Kristien Butler as the Director of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity effective December 15, 2021, for a term of three (3) years.
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WHEREAS, there is a vacancy for the Director of the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Department, and the City requires the vacancy to be filled; and
WHEREAS, a qualifications and examining committee was created by the City Council to review applications for the position of HREEO Director; and
WHEREAS, the committee convened on November 5, 2021 and recommended four applicants to the Mayor’s Office for interview by the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, Kristien Butler has applied for the position of Director of the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Department and has over 12 years of experience practicing law in the State of Minnesota, as well as experience in human rights advocacy and equal employment opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Butler has most recently served as the interim Director of the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Department since April 2021, and prior to this appointment, served as the Deputy Director of Human Rights and Labor Standards for the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Butler served as a Hennepin County Public Defender, working extensively with the community and community partners during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Butler worked in the Office of Equity and Diversity for Minneapolis Public Schools, investigating Equal Economic Opportunity (EEO) harassment and discrimination complaints, conducted equity and inclusion training sessions, and oversaw the District’s Diverse Business Partner and Workforce Initiatives; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Saint Paul City Administrative Code, Section 11.01, the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. The director shall continue in office for terms of three (3) years from the expiration of the director's prior terms, each subsequent term subject to reappointment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the appointment of Kristien Butler as the Director of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Department effective December 15, 2021 for a term of three (3) years.