Contact: Katryn Conlin, Director of Communications
651-385-6364, kconlin@southeastmn.edu
Maureen Holte, Winona County Administrator, honored with 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, Winona Campus, by Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, MN (May 20, 2024) - Every year since 2005, Minnesota State College Southeast has honored one graduate from each campus -- Red Wing and Winona -- with the Outstanding Alumni Award, presented in recognition of outstanding personal and professional achievement and service to others.
At its Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2024, Minnesota State College Southeast Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Hawkins presented the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award for the Winona Campus to Maureen Holte, who earned a diploma in Accounting in 1989. Maureen now serves as Winona County Administrator, where she oversees 250 employees and is responsible for an annual budget of $70 million.
She was nominated for the Outstanding Alumni Award by her academic advisor and teacher, Jill Halverson, who stated, "She was incredibly hard working and was the first graduate employed from that year's class."
"Maureen has been a great supporter of the college; through collaborations we have extended Southeast's reach for the betterment of Winona County," said Dr. Marsha Danielson, President of Minnesota State College Southeast. "Together we have cultivated educational opportunities that enrich the lives of area residents."
Maureen began her career with Winona County in July 1991. She was promoted to Personnel Director in 2001 and served as interim Finance Director from 2007 to 2009.
In 2010, she was named Assistant County Administrator/Personnel Director and honored as Minnesota Counties Human Resources Association Professional of the Year.
She served as Interim County Administrator from May 2014 to August 2015 and again from January 2022 to March 2023, when she was promoted to the permanent position.
"As Winona County Administrator, she is in the county's top leadership position," noted Jill Halverson. "Throughout her tenure at Winona County past and present employees speak highly of her. She advocates for Minnesota State College Southeast, and I have been proud to watch all of her accomplishments in the last three decades."
"I am thankful for the family, friends, and instructors who assisted me in obtaining my degree," said Maureen. "The 32 years of work experience with Winona County has provided the opportunity for me to serve in a broad range of functions and departments."
After graduating from Minnesota State College Southeast, Maureen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with minor in Accounting from Viterbo University in 2005.
In addition to her challenging career, Maureen enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, and their families. They especially enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and camping.
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About Minnesota State College Southeast
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a community and technical college that provides a flexible, affordable, inclusive, and equitable college environment and offers a clear sense of direction to all students. College faculty and staff genuinely care about students' end goals, whether that be earning an academic award, transferring to university to complete a bachelor's degree, or attaining career skills. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of the Minnesota State system.