Michael (Mike) Brethorst joined MGT / GovHR USA in 2024. Mike currently serves in GovHR’s Recruitment Services, offering executive recruiting and general consulting.
With 20 years of municipal management experience, Mike has held roles as a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Director and Chief of Staff. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) with the Army National Guard, with 22 years of service as a Military Intelligence Officer, including multiple overseas deployments and seven years as a Counterintelligence Special Agent. Mike actively contributes to the community as an Adjunct Professor and a volunteer High School Football Coach. His broad experience spans city, county, and federal levels across various states and countries.
In government, Mike has served on boards like the Minnesota Association of Small Cities, League of Minnesota Cities, Center for Rural Policy and Development and has been involved with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and the Missouri River Energy Services.
Mike’s work in community and civic engagement encompasses leading departments like HR, public works, and economic development. He has driven the expansion of industrial parks, supported business retention and development, revitalized downtown areas, and improved administrative services. Mentoring staff and supporting professional development, especially among young professionals, is a key component of his approach to community improvement.
His dedication extends to mentoring and coaching, emphasizing his commitment to both personal and infrastructure development.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
- Master of Science in Public, Human Services and Health Administration, Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with an emphasis in Community and Economic Development, St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN
- Associates of Arts Degree, Fergus Falls Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls, MN
- Military: Graduate, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth in Fort Leavenworth, KS
CERTIFICATIONS
- Just Culture Certification Graduate Certificate
- International City/County Manager – Credentialed Manager Candidate (ICMA-CM) – expired
- Key Public Power Account Executive (KPPAE) – American Public Power Association
- Business Retention and Expansion International – Certified Consultant
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Civilian Career
- Essentia Health – Director Financial Preservices, Duluth, MN 2023-2024
- Essentia Health – Senior Employee Labor Relations Specialist (Contract Negotiator), Duluth, MN, 2021-2023
- County Administrator, Becker County, Detroit Lakes, MN, 2019 -2021
- City Administrator, City of Melrose, MN, 2011-2019
- Admin. Officer (AO), Dept. Veteran Affairs, Fargo, ND, 2008-2011
- City Administrator, City of Barnesville, MN, 2004-08
- Community Development Director, City of Brainerd, MN, 2001 – 2004
- Executive Dir, Ada EDA, Ada, MN, 1999 – 2001
Military Career (Leadership)
- J2 Branch Chief, Intelligence, JFHQ
- J2 Deputy Branch Chief, Intelligence, JFHQ
- G6 Branch Chief, Signal, JFHQ
- G2 Div Asst Chief of Staff, Intel., 34th ID [Talisman Saber -13]
- S2 Brigade Intelligence Officer (Senior Intel. Officer) 1/34 BCT
- S2X (Senior Counterintelligence Officer) 1/34BCT, [OIF 06-08]
- Company Commander, HHOC 634, MI BN
- S2 BN Intel. Officer (Senior Intel. Officer) 2/136 MECH [SFOR XVII]
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
- Minnesota City and County Management Association (MCMA),
- League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), Board Member, 2017
- MN Association of Small Cities (MASOC), Board Member, 2011-2015
- Center for Rural Policy and Dev., Board Member, 2008 – 2012
- Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association – Minnesota
- American Legion and Veteran of foreign Wars – Detroit Lakes, MN
- Lions International – Barnesville and Melrose, MN
- Melrose Chamber of Commerce
- Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce
