OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — Otter Tail County Commissioners have welcomed Jodi Teich as the county’s new county engineer. Teich brings extensive leadership experience in county engineering and transportation planning to Otter Tail County.

Teich grew up on a dairy farm in southern Douglas County and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. She worked as the assistant county engineer at Pine County for four and a half years before taking the assistant county engineer position at Stearns County. After 12 years as an assistant, she was appointed Stearns County Engineer in 2012, where she oversaw road construction, maintenance and transportation planning for one of Minnesota’s largest counties.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Teich to our team,” said County Board Chair Wayne Johnson. “Her proven track record of leadership in county engineering and her recognition as a national leader in the field make her an excellent fit for Otter Tail County.”

Teich’s credentials include being named the National Association of County Engineers’ 2024 Urban Engineer of the Year. She currently serves as the north central vice president for the National Association of County Engineers and received the William Koniarski Transportation Advocate Award from the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.

During her tenure in Stearns County, Teich managed a comprehensive transportation system serving both urban and rural communities. Her experience overseeing complex infrastructure projects and coordinating with multiple jurisdictions will benefit Otter Tail County’s extensive road network.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Teich. “I look forward to bringing my experience to Otter Tail County and to building relationships and working to improve the lives of those who travel through the county.”

As county engineer, Teich will oversee highway construction and maintenance, bridge inspections, traffic safety programs and coordination with state and federal transportation agencies. Otter Tail County maintains approximately 1,067 miles of county roads and 74 bridges throughout its 2,225 square miles.