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Hazelden's new President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Mishek hosted a lunch last week with a number of community leaders. Mishek took the helm at Hazelden, in Center City, several months ago. He comes from St. Paul, MN and found a familiar face in County Commissioner George McMahon attending the luncheon. Mishek recalled volunteering in one of McMahon's St. Paul city council campaigns years ago.

The new head at Hazelden, one of the largest employers in Chisago County with the exception of government and school districts, has previously been general counsel with Allina Hospitals and Clinics and served as President of United Hospital in St. Paul.

Mishek offered brief comments at the luncheon held in the Dan Anderson Renewal Center.

He said he wants to ensure Hazelden has an active role in business pursuits like the local chamber of commerce, but also in playing a part bringing entities together. Mishek promised that Hazelden, a world renowned addiction treatment facility and publishing house, will see continued growth of its Center City campus. Hazelden corporate officers were recently pulled back to Center City, from Minneapolis, he noted, while sharing that 2009 is Hazelden's 60th anniversary.

Hazelden's publishing and outreach programs were represented by senior vice president for publishing services, Nick Motu at the luncheon. Helen Taws with The Center for Public Advocacy at Hazelden spoke briefly. John Driscoll, who oversees treatment delivery within the 270-bed facility, also said a few words.

Loretta Anderson introduced the presenters. Anderson said it has always amazed her, over years of involvement in external relations; the number of people who have Hazelden and the Mayo Clinic on their "must see" list when they visit Minnesota.

Luncheon attendees also included Center City Mayor Jill Behnke and Clerk Terrie Trudeau. Four county commissioners were there, administrators from Lindstrom and Chisago City attended, and District Court Judge Robert Rancourt spoke about drug court and how Hazelden is a valuable resource in this endeavor.

Chisago County Administrator John Moosey welcomed involvement and/or suggestions that Hazelden might have on future development of the county's commercial parcels, located on Highway 8 near Hazelden's entrance.

County HHS Director Mary Sheehan spoke of a good relationship with Hazelden through its graduate degree program (used by county staff and internships available at the county for Hazelden students), and in general the networking opportunities Hazelden affords county social workers and public health staff.

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