Michelle Basham is named director of Ramsey County Social Services

Michelle Basham has been named director of Ramsey County Social Services.

Michelle Basham has been named director of Ramsey County Social Services. She will join Ramsey County on Nov. 13. (Courtesy of Ramsey County)

Basham currently works as a deputy director for Operations and Partnerships for Vocational Rehabilitation Services at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. She is expected to join Ramsey County on Nov. 13. She’ll oversee a department with an annual budget in 2023 of $117.8 million and 683 full-time positions.

“We are thrilled to have an innovative leader of Michelle’s caliber stepping into this role,” said Kathy Hedin, deputy county manager of the Health and Wellness Service Team, in a statement. “Throughout her career, Michelle has been a tireless advocate for children and families, youth experiencing homelessness and sexual exploitation, and work to advance racial equity and inclusion.”

Besides her work with the state, Basham has held leadership positions at YWCAs In Minneapolis and Delaware, FamilyWise, CommonBond Communities, and the Bridge for Youth.

Basham has a bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College, a graduate degree in public administration/business from Hamline University, and a Juris Doctorate from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

“I am excited and honored to be joining Ramsey County as Social Services Director,” Basham said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with community and staff as the department continues its journey of progress in transforming systems to put residents first and meet the needs of individuals and families.”

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