From Cook County, Minnesota - February 13, 2026

By: Danielle Hefferan, Public Information Coordinator

Cook County, MN, employs accountants, custodians, counselors, engineers, maintenance technicians, scientists, educators, emergency management professionals, administrators, and more! Our excellent Human Resources (HR) staff know that to fill these positions, no “one size fits all” approach will work. They spend a great deal of time and effort recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding the very best new employees for a wide variety of public service roles.

We want to publicly celebrate our recent Cook County, MN, hires, but respect that some prefer not to bask in the limelight. Not all our available positions are filled by newcomers; at times, there are highly skilled and experienced staff aboard who are able to transition within our ranks. With that in mind, please join us in welcoming two new employees and congratulating one promoted employee.

Each faces a new set of challenges and responsibilities as they step into their new positions, so we invite you to join us in thanking and welcoming them. We are so grateful for our diverse, talented, and dedicated group of professionals who work to serve the community of Cook County, MN.

Welcome Daniel McFarlane, Children & Family Services Case Manager, Public Health and Human Services

In my role within the Children and Family Services Team, I partner with individuals and families to build safety, stability, and well-being. Through attentive listening, thoughtful assessment, and ongoing case management, families are supported in identifying their strengths, addressing challenges, and setting meaningful goals. At its core, this role is about walking alongside families, strengthening connections, and helping communities thrive—one family at a time.

Prior to accepting this role, I’ve served Beltrami County in various human services roles for more than a decade—from youth counseling at a crisis shelter to family support and adult mental health services—building skills in guiding families toward stability and well-being. My wife and I fell in love with Cook County during our honeymoon and return often, drawn to its natural beauty and close-knit community. Over time, we’ve come to value the warmth of small-town life over the pace of the city. My greatest joy is my family: my wife, our two children, and a loyal canine companion. We cherish time outdoors, live music, and community events, making the most of everyday moments together.

Welcome Erin Schettler, Engineering Technician I, Highway Department

Hi! I’m Erin Schettler from Maple Grove, MN. I have been with my wife, Katie since 1995 and we have 2 children: Sophie (20) and Steven (18) and cat Lily (15). We bought a home in Grand Marais in 2020, always with the intention of moving here full-time. Like many, we fell in love with the natural beauty of the area and wanted to be in it all the time. In my spare time, I enjoy riding my road and gravel bikes, hiking, XC skiing, and watching movies. I like to root for the Timberwolves. I come from a Mechanical Design/Drafting background and am excited to learn about, and work with the Highway Department as Engineering Technician I where I will help build and rebuild roads, bridges, and trails around the county. There is so much in front of me to learn, and I am ready for the challenge. I look forward to meeting all of you and seeing you around town!

Congratulations Em Westerlund, Assistant County Attorney II, County Attorney’s Office

In my new role as Cook County Assistant County Attorney II, I will manage a large part of the criminal case load in our office.  I will continue to partner with PHHS on child protection and civil commitment cases. I’m excited to continue to grow my knowledge and expertise as an attorney.

I came to Cook County because I wanted a diverse legal experience that isn’t possible in most larger communities.  Due to its rural nature, the Cook County Attorney’s Office handles an incredible variety of both criminal and civil matters with only three attorneys.  In larger counties, attorneys in public service tend to specialize in a certain area of practice such as “misdemeanors” or “child protection.”  Joining the team in the Cook County Attorney’s Office has given me experience prosecuting everything from petty misdemeanors to felonies. While it’s a little like drinking out of a firehose sometimes, I am very grateful for the unique opportunities for growth that working here has provided me. 

Outside of work, I’m a big nerd.  I do jigsaw puzzles, read nonfiction for “fun,” watch documentaries, and listen to law podcasts.  I also enjoy hiking, camping, and ice skating.  My dog Taz is my bestie and lives with me in our apartment in Lutsen.  You’ll see me around town in the red Tacoma.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.