New Hope Names 2025 Employee of the Year

Posted on 01/14/2026

The City of New Hope has named Community Development Administrative Specialist Linda Bergemann as its 2025 Employee of the Year. The announcement was made during the City’s annual employee recognition event in December.

Linda joined the City in June 2020 as an office specialist in the community development department and was promoted to her current position in spring 2023. Throughout her tenure, her dedication to enhancing efficiency has resulted in streamlined processes and more responsive, reliable service for residents, contractors and colleagues. These efforts have directly improved the department’s overall performance.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Linda has served on several committees and as treasurer of the employee club. She facilitated the department’s adoption of a new enterprise resource planning software system by mastering its features, training colleagues and developing a comprehensive manual to support continued success.

City staff who nominated Linda emphasized her dependability and her significant role in maintaining efficient department operations and supporting citywide initiatives.

Other nominees for the award were Krissy Barthel, utility billing clerk; Andrew Kramer, streets, parks, and central garage supervisor; Walker MacBeath, HR specialist/IT coordinator; Jill Smisek, office specialist; and Kevin Zurn, maintenance worker.

The City also honored employees who achieved service milestones in 2025.

25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Shawn Markham, contract manager/forester
Rich Johnson, director of HR/administrative services

20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Cheri Galli, investigator

15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Andrew Kramer, streets/parks/central garage supervisor
Jared Kuyper, police officer
Scott Stephan, ice arena maintenance operator

10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Chris Cazin, sergeant
Justin Janson, school resource officer

5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Andrea Phinney, city clerk/treasurer
Tony Portesan, recreation facilities supervisor
Linda Bergemann, administrative specialist
Lee Larson, community relations and crime prevention officer
Riley McIlrath, police office supervisor

The City of New Hope thanks all employees for their dedication and service. Their commitment makes New Hope a great place to live, work and play.