The Stearns County Board of Commissioners has appointed a new director to lead the county’s Environmental Services Department. The Board voted to appoint Chelle Benson as the new director. Benson comes to Stearns County from Benton County, where she held the Department of Development Director position for almost 10 years.

Benson also previously worked in Stearns County’s Environmental Services Department as an Environmental Specialist. She replaces Don Adams, who retired in May. The Board also approved an organizational structure change in which the director will now report to the County Administrator instead of the Board of Commissioners.