Austin Utilities appoints Kristin Johnson to Board of Commissioners at May meeting

Kristin S. Johnson was appointed to the Austin Utilities Board of Commissioners at the May 2020 meeting. Johnson was sworn in at the May board meeting in the first Zoom administered ceremony.

Johnson, a 28-year veteran at Mayo Clinic, is currently the Vice Chair of Administration, Southeast Region of Mayo Clinic Health System.  Johnson holds an active CPA license and received her Master of Business Administration degree from Augsburg College and her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the College of St. Benedict & St. John’s University. Her background includes experience in financial models, compensation plans, designing and implementing new practice models.

When asked if she had any special area of interest in the utility business, she replied she is especially interested in the many advancements on the horizon for delivering, using and monitoring utility products (gas, electricity and water).

Mark Nibaur, General Manager of Austin Utilities stated that Johnson was appointed amongst a group of excellent candidates to fill a vacancy left by Geoff Baker, who recently resigned after eight years of service.  The appointment process involves the Mayor submitting a board replacement, and City Council approving.

Austin Utilities is one of two municipal utilities in the state of MN governed by an elected Board of Commissioners. Appointments can be made when a position needs to be filled mid-term. Board terms are four years.