Larson

HOUGHTON — Ben Larson made it official Friday, formally signing on as Houghton County’s next administrator. 

Larson, the director of advancement for the College of Sciences and Arts at MIchigan Technological University, starts work for the county on Aug. 3. He will learn the ropes from current Administrator Eric Forsberg until Forsberg retires at the end of August. Filling Forsberg’s shoes will be a tough task, he said. 

“They say never to replace a legend but I’m gonna do the best that I can,” he said. “I think there’s good people in each department that help this county. And I look forward to working with each of them.”

Larson spent the past 24 years in academia, working first for Suomi College (now Finlandia University) before moving to Tech for 14 years. Although happy there, he applied for the job after being encouraged to do so.

“I am a proud Houghton County resident,” he said. “I think this is going to be a big job for me, but it’s not one that I’m afraid of.”

His priorities include working with the departments to make sure they have the resources they need, and working with the county board to make sure the departments are functioning smoothly. 

At Michigan Tech, Larson became an experienced fundraiser. With COVID-19 potentially causing a large hit in state money, he plans to use his knowledge to find new revenue for the county. One source could be an Enduring Gifts Fund, which would allow the county to raise money through donations. 

He also plans to meet with each department to discuss potential grants and other sources of income.