Employee Spotlight: Kathy Michels

Why work in city government, specifically in Alexandria? 

 I was fortunate enough to be hired after applying for the job that was posted  over 24 years ago. I started out doing parking violations downtown and dictation. Then when Pauline Moeser retired I was lucky enough to take over her position and the rest is history..   and the fact that I already lived in Alexandria was a bonus.

Share a memory of a time you felt proud to be in local government.

I am always proud to be part of our Law Enforcement team.  I also really enjoy being a part of the Polar Plunge every year, because that is for such a great cause.  

What are your goals for this year?  

Since I am retiring very soon, the only goals I have is to relax and enjoy my retirement!!

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy taking a walk every day with my small dog, Harper. Otherwise my only real hobbies are working in my yard and spending as much time with my grandkids as possible.

Tell us about your family and yourself.

I grew up in the small town of Starbuck, and after graduating from High School, I went to the Alexandria Tech School. After a brief time of working in the Twin Cities (which I really did not like the big city atmosphere) I returned to Alexandria and have lived here ever since. I have 2 daughters, and 4 grandchildren. I am divorced, but my significant other, Larry, and I have been hanging out together for over 15 years.  

What are you goals this year and for your department?

I don’t really have any work goals since I am retiring this month, but I hope that the department continues to be the positive influence on our community that I see it as now.

There are a lot of acronyms in government, explain ones that come behind your name or that you use in your work.

The only acronyms behind my name, other than what my job description of:  Police Support Specialist and of course, my badge #130, is TAC, which stands for Terminal Agency Coordinator, which is a liaison between the host agency and the BCA.  The TAC is responsible for ensuring that the agency complies with MNJIS and NCIC policies and procedures.

Where is your favorite place to go to enjoy Alexandria?  (restaurants, parks, activities/exercising, etc.)

My favorite place to eat is China Buffet, although I don’t eat out a lot. I do a lot of walking in my neighborhood, which is a very nice area to walk. My grandkids really enjoy going to all the parks and playgrounds in the city so I try to take them as often as possible and they really love to feed the ducks!!