Meet the Team
Founder & CEO
Founder & CEO
Scott Saehr
Scott Saehr holds the role of Managing Director for Saehr Consulting. He graduated from the University of St Thomas in 2010 with a major in Entrepreneurship, as small business has always been a passion for him. Scott first started in the business sector in 2010 with the creation of Scottie’s Landscapes, which was eventually rebranded to Hydroscapes. During the growing phase of this business, the primary focus was the public sector doing large scale landscape construction for schools throughout the State of Minnesota. Scott expanded into local government with a focus on administration. As this developed, he started a consulting business with a focus to impact rural local governments with high level administrative duties. He has brought positive change to communities by organizing and implementing systems, developing agreements, and enhancing future visions of communities across State.
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Scott was able to incorporate his two passions, entrepreneurship and local government into Saehr Consulting. Saehr Consulting focuses primarily in the public and nonprofit sector on day-to-day business operations for organizations, managing and preparing boards and committees, board vision planning and strategic planning, as well as working closely with all levels of leadership throughout the State of Minnesota. The company’s mission is to remain customer-centric with a focus of creating positive change for future generations in public safety and community development.
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As the Pierz community developed into his place of home, he became involved in his true passion, public safety. Scott has been active in his involvement as an officer of the Pierz Fire Department and President of the Pierz Area First Response Team. Scott currently resides in Pierz, MN with his wife and children. Scott’s family loves to maintain work life balance by spending time at their cabin located near Two Harbors, MN.
Community Services Team
Community Planner II
Nicole Smude
Nicole Smude is a passionate and dedicated local government professional with over 10 years of experience between city and county government. Nicole brings with her a broad background in city and county administration, urban planning, HR, and local government finances. She takes pride in providing the best customer service possible and working with residents.
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Nicole graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a degree in Mass Communications; Nicole currently has plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration.
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Currently she resides in Sauk Rapids, with her husband Ryan and two children Victor and Rosalyn. They enjoy spending time together at the lake and doing anything outdoors.
Community Planner I
Sara Seelen
Sara has more than 10 years of experience with a broad background in city utilities to administration. She is detailed oriented and values customer service.
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Sara graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a degree in Public Administration.
She currently resides in Bowlus, Minnesota with her family. Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her free time, she enjoys doing crafts, reading, fishing and riding the Ranger.
Community Engagement Lead
Crystal Ratke
Crystal brings years of practice management, team development, policy writing and employee mentorship to our team. She has been able to achieve and maintain healthy relationships with different companies, organizations and other representatives. Her position plays a fundamental role in fostering positive relationships between Saehr Consulting and the communities we serve.
System Technology Specialist
Lydia Nokels
Lydia Nokels holds the role of Marketing Specialist for Saehr Consulting. She has a diverse background working in the defense industry, consumer packing industry and agriculture. Lydia graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. She recently graduated with her MBA degree with an emphasis in data analytics from Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Lydia has a passion for helping others and thinking outside the box to achieve results.
Currently, Lydia resides in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys spending time outside, reading, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers and TCU Horned Frogs during football season.
Marketing Specialist
Megan Oldakowski
Megan Oldakowski holds the role of Marketing Specialist for Saehr Consulting. She has an advantageous background working in marketing, business administrative and management roles. Megan graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a focus in Marketing. She is passionate about communicating effectively in a fun and creative manner.
Executive Director Services Team
Office Manager
Sherrill Forsberg
Sherrill Forsberg holds the role of Office Manager for the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board. With an extensive administrative background, she maintains the office by organizing internal operations and procedures, preparing payroll, and controlling correspondence. In addition to having excellent organizational and time management skills, Sherrill excels at paying attention to accuracy and attention to detail. She resides in Minnesota.
Database Manager
Gia Nelson
Gia Nelson holds the role of Database Manager for the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board. Gia is responsible for developing and maintaining the database. She also oversees all data interpretation as well as all database integrations. Gia has excellent communication and teamwork skills. She resides in Minnesota.