Chippewa County has a new County Administrator, pending contract details. Chosen from a field of three finalists, Andrew Albarado will replace outgoing County Administrator Randy Scholz, who announced plans for retirement last year.
A graduate of Cadott High School with the Class of 1993, Albarado is 49 years old, with prior experience including service as the Sawyer County Administrator since 2022 and being a member of the Rice Lake Joint Review Board. Albarado also has experience as Rusk County Administrator.
As for incoming county administrator Albarado, the County’s Executive Committee met March 4 to finalize the employment agreement, sent for final approval to the County Board at its March 11 meeting.
County Board Chairman Chuck Hull said Albarado stood out from the finalists.
“He has extensive experience, and he has some county administrator experience,” Hull said of Albarado. “I think he’ll be able to hit the ground running.” Public Associates LLC has been authorized to work out contract details with Albarado. The county administrator puts together the annual budget Also listed in the job description is administration and coordination of the overall operations of all non-elected county departments as well as for providing staff assistance to the County Board of Supervisors and its officers, under the guidance and supervision of the County Board, as provided for in Chapter 59.18 of the state statutes. Among Albarado’s goals as county administrator is to help create a new industrial park to attract more businesses. Albarado will begin his duties as Chippewa County Administrator April 28, pending an accepted contract offer. The position pays from $150,000 to $170,000, per the application packet.
As for outgoing County Administrator Randy Scholz, he released the following statement regarding his retirement:
“After many fulfilling years serving the citizens of Chippewa County, I am announcing my retirement, effective March 7, 2025,” he said last year. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to work alongside the talented and dedicated employees, County Board Supervisors, and community leaders who make Chippewa County such a vibrant place to live and work. Throughout my tenure, we have prioritized careful financial stewardship, resulting in Chippewa County maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the state. This success is a testament to the hard work of our outstanding staff and the unwavering support of the County Board and citizens.
“As I prepare for this transition, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the trust the community has placed in me. I am confident that Chippewa County is well-prepared for the future and that it will continue to thrive in the hands of the exceptional team that serves this community every day.
“Thank you for the opportunity to be part of Chippewa County’s journey. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition in the coming months and am excited to see Chippewa County continue to flourish.” Now retired from Chippewa County, Scholz has accepted a position as city manager in Ishpeming, Michigan, located just south of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula.