Written by Lance Leonhard
Earlier this year, Marathon County Administration welcomed a new team member, Noor Ali Hassan, as a Special Projects Coordinator. This new role was developed as part of our commitment to the objectives in the County’s Strategic Plan. As our work continues on larger initiatives such as broadband expansion, exploration of a potential county-wide ems program, affordability and availability of childcare services in Marathon County, and other innovative solutions in reducing the cost of delivering high quality government services to the residents and guests of Marathon County, the need for someone to manage each of these projects, convene community partners, and ensure continued progress one each of these important initiatives was identified. Noor has been a great addition to our team and jumped right in to learn about all the great work happening across and within our county departments.
Prior to joining Marathon County, Noor resided in Washington D.C. where she attended Northeastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Noor pursued a career in public service to experience the political process firsthand, working as a Research Analyst in the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister in Bahrain and as a Government Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Washington D.C. Noor is currently studying to finish her master’s degree in Public Policy with a concentration in Healthcare Management and Policy this spring.
Q. What interested you in working for Marathon County?
My husband and I always knew that Marathon County is where we would settle down. On our various visits back to his hometown, Wausau, I fell in love with the place and people who have really made Marathon County such a unique and welcoming place to live. While I have enjoyed my time working and living in Washington D.C., I found Marathon County to be a place full of potential and opportunity to serve the public good. Marathon County is truly a place where preparation meets opportunity.
The County’s level of commitment to make Marathon County the healthiest, safest, and most prosperous left no doubt in my mind that this is where I needed to be. Put simply, the drive and passion to serve the people of Marathon County is what truly interested me in joining the team. I hope to bring my skills and experiences in public policy to create a long lasting and positive impact on our communities.
Q. So, how’s the job thus far?
It’s been great! As the Special Projects Coordinator, I am able to translate my desire for doing good into proven social impact. Rewarding is the best word to describe my work with the County. Working on broadband expansion is a great example of that. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives and brought to the forefront the need to address many issues and disparities. Access to internet service has become a basic need in order to carry out our daily tasks. Most importantly, broadband expansion brings enormous potential for economic development in Marathon County. While this project is complex in nature, it has been extremely rewarding to coordinate with various stakeholders and engage members of the public to find solutions that will ultimately serve the people of Marathon County.
Q. When you’re not at work, what do you like to do in your free time?
While free time is not easy to come by as I juggle work and the last semester of my master’s degree, I have always enjoyed reading, writing poetry, and traveling. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is one of my absolute favorites as I believe it resonates to a certain degree with all of us. While I am not nearly as good, I find poetry as a reliable outlet for creativity and expression. I have no doubt in my mind that as I continue to explore Marathon County and experience all its seasons, I will find people and places that will continue to inspire my creative writing.
I look forward to Noor’s contributions to our county organization. Her experiences and knowledge will be valuable in moving us closer to our goal of being the Safest, Healthiest, and Most Prosperous county in Wisconsin.
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Lance Leonhard
Marathon County Administrator
Lance Leonhard began his career in Marathon County Government in the Office of Corporation Counsel. He then served as Deputy Administrator and currently serves as the Marathon County Administrator. Lance’s career in public service has spanned more than a decade, having worked for the federal government as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and for the state of Wisconsin as an Assistant District Attorney. Outside of work, you’re likely to find Lance spending time with his family, traveling, teeing off on a local golf course, or sitting around a campfire with friends. Email Lance Leonhard
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