The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Dawn Nyhus as County Attorney to replace Kathleen Heaney, who is retiring April 30 after more than 30 years with Sherburne County.

Nyhus is Lead Assistant County Attorney for Sherburne County and has been with the County for more than 17 years. She will take over County Attorney duties May 1.

Nyhus was selected from a group of four finalists for this position. Commissioners praised the quality of the four finalists and credited Nyhus for being the candidate who stood out from the rest.

“This is an example of where the cream rises to the top,” said Board Chair Gary Gray. “The four candidates were tremendous. It was challenging to say the least. But in the end, I think the appointment and selection of Dawn is the right one.”

“I am honored to be serving in this role and look forward to advancing the high levels of public safety and service for the people of Sherburne County,” Nyhus said.

Nyhus started in Sherburne County in February 2008 as an Assistant County Attorney in the Criminal Division and became Lead Assistant in the Criminal Division in November 2020. In June of 2024, she became Lead Assistant in the Civil Division. Nyhus has lived in Sherburne County for approximately 20 years.

When a County Attorney retires before their term ends, Minnesota statute requires the County Board to appoint a County Attorney to complete the balance of the current elected term, which ends Jan. 4, 2027.