Fresh from an election victory that even took some supporters by surprise, St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her has announced members of a transition team that will help pick new department leaders and top City Hall staff, plan for her inauguration and inaugural gala and lead other transitional decision-making. Her, who resigned as state representative on Monday, has drawn her team from a mix of campaign staff, former State Capitol workers and recent city and county employees.
Erica Schumacher and Hnu Vang will serve as the new mayor’s transition team co-leaders.
Schumacher currently works in the Ramsey County Attorney’s office and previously served as director of Neighborhood Initiatives under Mayor Chris Coleman. Vang, Her’s campaign manager, previously worked for former House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, state Sen. Foung Hawj, former U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and in the office of U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, where she served as director of constituent services.
Nick Stumo-Langer, Her’s deputy campaign manager and operations director, will serve as transition advisor. He has served as a committee administrator for the Minnesota House DFL Caucus, a former campaign manager for state Rep. Brion Curran, policy associate for Minneapolis Councilmember Steve Fletcher, supervisor of an early vote center in 2020, and communications manager for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Matt Wagenius, Her’s campaign spokesperson, will serve as the transition team’s communications director and press secretary. He has served as a staff member for Gov. Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and various state and congressional officials across the country. He recently operated a fundraising and communications consulting service.
Bridget Hajny will serve as Her’s scheduler and office manager. She has spent 20 years in administrative management, including 11 years with the city, most recently with the St. Paul Fire Department.
Her won the five-way mayor’s race on Nov. 4, winning 48% of the vote to two-term Mayor Melvin Carter’s 45% after ballot reallocation.
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