The Hastings City Council appointed Kelly Murtaugh as the City’s assistant city administrator/human resources director at its May 17 meeting. Murtaugh will oversee the City’s human resources, information technology, communications and City Clerk (including elections) functions.

Murtaugh is a resident of Hastings and has served in executive roles in higher education, including dean and vice president for academic and student affairs at Dakota County Technical College, chief academic officer at St. Paul College, and interim dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Metropolitan State University.

“Her background presents very transferrable leadership skills and also a valuable fresh perspective,” said City Administrator Dan Wietecha. “We were particularly impressed with Ms. Murtaugh’s leadership experience in senior management in high-profile and results-oriented positions, collaboration across departments, a focus on building strong relationships, and continued professional development of herself and of others.”

Murtaugh will report to the city administrator and begin her duties on May 19.