New Executive Director Takes the Helm at Dakota County Historical Society

A former health insurance executive will soon take the reins at the Dakota County Historical Society.

Thursday, the DCHS board hired Lynn R. Gruber by a unanimous vote. Gruber takes over for former Executive Director Chad Roberts, who left in spring to take a new job with the historical society of Ramsey County.

According to her resume, Gruber has a bachelor's in English and journalism from University of Minnesota and a law degree from Hamline. She spent 30 years in health care, serving as  the first executive director of the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, state created non-profit that runs a high risk insurance pool for those who were turned away due to a preexisting condition. She is also the founder of the Women’s Health Leadership Trust and founder of the National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Pools.

However, she is also a history buff. In her spare time she volunteered with the Wayzata Historical Society, where she served as both a board member and president.

Tom Achartz, president of the DCHS, said the Gruber had the right combination— executive leadership and a passion for history—which set her apart from the 50 or so applicants who went out for the job.  

He hopes that Gruber will lead the organization into a new era, he said.

"When we were reviewing these candidates we focused on what we need and what we need is to grow, to take this society to the next level and become a regional influence," Achartz told the rest of the board.

Gruber starts on Monday.