Brainerd city administrator receives state award

Brainerd City Administrator Dan Vogt has received the Dr. Robert A. Barrett Award for Management Excellence for outstanding service to local government from the Minnesota City/County Management Association.

The annual award, presented last week at the MCMA conference in Nisswa, acknowledges an MCMA member who is an exemplary role model, leader and mentor in the profession of local government management.

Vogt was cited for his leadership in helping the Brainerd City Council and staff work through tough budget decisions, leading the way on economic development projects that resulted in several new business expansions in the community and fostering positive and mutually beneficial relationships among other local government entities in the region.

His nominators noted, "The role of city administrator requires an incredible commitment to professionalism, ethical behavior, tolerance and encouragement of diverse ideas. Dan has demonstrated these skills and behaviors throughout his entire career."

Vogt has served as city administrator since 1989. He also has served as president of MCMA and as a board member for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. Additionally, Vogt has served as a board member of the national Joint Powers Alliance and has been involved in League of Minnesota Cities activities. He is a Blandin Leadership Program graduate.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Robert A. Barrett, who served as the longtime director of the Urban and Regional Studies Institute at Minnesota State University-Mankato, and as secretariat for the MCMA, until his death in 1998.