Another Pennington County leader is retiring. Julie Sjostrand, longtime human services director, is retiring effective Friday, June 5. Sjostrand began working as the county’s social services supervisor in 2012. She became the human services director after the retirement of Ken Yutrzenka in 2019.
Sjostrand formally submitted her retirement notice at the Pennington County Board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10.
In her letter, Sjostrand wrote, “I am deeply grateful for the trust, support and partnership provided by the county commissioners throughout my tenure. It has been an honor to work alongside you in advancing the mission of Pennington County Human Services and supporting the individuals and families we serve.”
Prior to her time as a Pennington County employee, the Lancaster resident served as a school social worker for the Roseau, Badger and Greenbush school districts for 21 years, and as a social worker with Roseau County Social Services for 13 summers. In the past, Sjostrand also served as a crisis coordinator with Sanford Behavioral Health and as a Lancaster Public School Board member for more than 20 years.
Commissioners accepted Sjostrand’s retirement and thanked her for her years of service to the county.
County Coordinator Kevin Erickson noted that county leaders crafted the 2026 county budget with Sjostrand’s retirement in mind. They budgeted additional funds related to Sjostrand training her successor prior to her retirement.
County Board then approved posting for the position of human services director.