The position left vacant by the March resignation of previous president Lee Krueger has been filled by the St. Paul Port Authority, the city’s top economic development organization. Additionally, Dai Thao, a member of the St. Paul City Council, has been replaced on the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners with someone selected by the mayor’s office.
Todd Hurley was promoted by the board to serve as agency head. Since Krueger left, Hurley, who joined the Port Authority in February 2019 as its chief operating officer and chief financial officer, has filled in as president pro tem. Hurley was the director of the city’s Office of Financial Services, where he led negotiations with developers, contractors, and landowners for the Xcel Energy Center, CHS Field, Allianz Field, among other significant projects. Hurley had previously worked for the city of St. Paul for more than 30 years.
The St. Paul Port Authority will now start the hiring process for a new CFO.
According to John Bennett, board chair, “Todd is the only candidate like him.” His dedication to the city and ties with both city employees and council members will be crucial as the Port Authority intensifies its efforts to attract more employment and a stronger tax base to St. Paul. He grew up in St. Paul both personally and professionally.
In preparation for his transfer to Sarasota, Fla., Thao, who has held one of the two city council positions on the Port Authority board since 2015, will resign as a city council member on August 1. The board disclosed on Tuesday that St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has selected Amy Brendmoen, the current president of the city council, to replace the vacant position, beginning August 23. Since 2012, Brendmoen has represented Ward 5, which mostly encompasses the North End and Como Park.
Brendmoen will join the board along with Bennett, Rebecca Noecker of the St. Paul City Council, Nneka Constantino, John Marshall, Don Mullin, and Matt Slaven.
