City of Owatonna Selects Next Director of Human Resources

OWATONNA, Minn., Sept. 30, 2025 – The City of Owatonna announces Rachel Boss has been selected to serve as its next Director of Human Resources. Boss is expected to begin serving in this role effective October 6.

The City of Owatonna conducted a comprehensive selection process to identify its next Human Resources Director. The opening was advertised on local, state and national job boards. The selection process included two rounds of interviews with panel members consisting of elected official representatives, City leadership and a human resources director from a neighboring city.

“Rachel’s passion and dedication for serving the Owatonna community, paired with her education, experience and natural ability for building relationships make her an excellent fit for the Human Resource Director role,” said Assistant City Administrator Emily Thamert. “We are excited to have an individual like Rachel join our leadership team with the City of Owatonna!”

Boss has demonstrated human resources and leadership experience with the City of Owatonna and in the private sector. She has led efforts in recruitment, benefits administration, employee engagement, and labor relations as well as training and organizational development. Boss is a Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is active in the community, serving as a board member for the United Way of Steele County and South Central MN SHRM and as a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

For additional information about the Human Resources Department or other services provided by the City of Owatonna, please visit owatonna.gov or follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook. For additional information about the City of Owatonna, please visit owatonna.gov or follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook.

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