The Fargo City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday, Oct. 26, to appoint Erika Anderson as the City of Fargo’s next Assistant City Administrator. She will begin her role with the City on Nov. 30.
Anderson currently serves as Chief of Staff in the Office of the President at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. Before joining Boise State University in 2022, Anderson held several leadership roles with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including Deputy Director of the Office of Policy, Legislation and International Affairs and Senior Advisor in the Office of Regulatory Affairs. Her experience includes strategic planning, organizational operations, financial oversight, workforce development and cross-agency collaboration. Anderson holds a Juris Doctor from American University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Dakota.
The City of Fargo launched a national search for a new Assistant City Administrator on June 19, 2026, in anticipation of Brenda Derrig’s retirement on July 30, 2026. The Assistant City Administrator Selection Committee conducted virtual interviews with five candidates in mid-August and one in-person interview with Anderson in September. The final assessment included a presentation on Anderson’s 90-day plan and strategies for success, a formal interview with the Selection Committee and a situational assessment evaluating her ability to respond to a complex, time-sensitive scenario as a senior leader. Following the assessment, the Selection Committee recommended Anderson for appointment.
The members of the Assistant City Administrator Selection Committee included:
Michael Redlinger | City Administrator – Hiring Manager
Nicole Crutchfield | Director of Planning & Development
Tom Knakmuhs | Director of Engineering
Susan Thompson | Director of Finance
Robert Wilson | Cass County Administrator
Ashley Swanson | Human Resources Generalist
Nathan Boerboom | Assistant City Engineer
Wyatt Papenfuss | Assistant Finance Director
Ben Dow | Director of Operations – Public Works
Jill Minette | Director of Human Resources
Jasmine Powell-Calhoun | Human Resources Generalist – Facilitator