Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher

A smiling woman with light skin and dark brown hair, wearing a dark blue long sleeve blouse.

Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher is responsible for the daily operations of Saint Paul’s city government, including its 16 departments and more than 3,000 employees. Now serving in her second term, Deputy Mayor Tincher brings state government, private sector, operations, emergency and crisis management, political campaign and organizing experience, to this role that requires public sector expertise, relentless grit, a strong equity lens, and an optimistic can-do attitude to achieving big goals and tackling complex challenges.  

Deputy Mayor Tincher is a strong proponent of an enterprise-approach to municipal governing, bringing together city workers from across departments to serve the needs of more than 300,000 residents. Tincher prioritized developing a city culture of care and compassion in response to the housing and opioid crisis and established Saint Paul’s Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART). She has been instrumental in supporting Mayor Carter’s bold, progressive agenda including the People’s Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot, CollegeBound, reimagining public safety and launching the Office of Neighborhood Safety.

Prior to being appointed Saint Paul Deputy Mayor in 2017, Tincher served as Chief of Staff to Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith. Throughout her decades of public policy and political experience, she has led on major issues, managed budget negotiations, led through emergencies, directed the operations of the Minnesota state government and its 34,000 employees, and served in a number of campaign manager and legislative roles.

A native of West Virginia, Deputy Mayor Tincher holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University and studied conflict resolution at the School for International Training in Vermont. Deputy Mayor Tincher lives in Saint Paul’s East Side neighborhood with her two children. 

Email Deputy Mayor Tincher

Mayor's Office Staff

The staff of the Mayor’s Office support Mayor Carter and Deputy Mayor Tincher. Together, they serve the people of Saint Paul and manage the work of City departments.

Communications

The communications team tells the story of our City. We inform residents through collaboration with members of the media, engaging storytelling, and creative strategies that uplift the Mayor’s priorities.  

Relationships

Strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community leaders is key to building a City that works for all. We connect the Mayor and community. 

Policy and Operations

Policy and operations experts help the Mayor in several ways. They help manage the City workforce, set City policies, and build a more resilient Saint Paul.

Meet Our Department Directors

Headshot of City Attorney Lyndsey Olson

Lyndsey Olson, City Attorney

City Attorney Lyndsey Olson leads a team of attorneys who represent the City of Saint Paul. They also prosecute criminal cases with a focus on victim-centered programming. Olson is a military veteran. She previously served as the first female General Counsel of the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Department of Military Affairs.

Headshot of Emergency Management Director Rick Schute.

Rick Schute, Emergency Management

Rick Schute and his department keep Saint Paul prepared for weather, safety, and public health emergencies. Schute joined the City in 2019, following a 23-year career in the U.S. Army in both staff and command positions. Schute previously served as Chief of Staff for the Minnesota National Guard. 
 

Headshot of Ikram Koliso

Ikram Koliso, Financial Empowerment

Ikram Koliso and her department promote economic equality. Her team partners with community leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Their goal is to create a just economy in Saint Paul. Koliso helped launch CollegeBound Saint Paul, the City’s college savings program. She previously served as a policy associate in the Mayor's Office. 

Headshot of Financial Services Director John McCarthy.

John McCarthy, Financial Services

John McCarthy and his team manage Saint Paul's financial resources, including implementing the approved budget. McCarthy joined the City in 2007, and served as Chief Budget Analyst from 2013 to 2017. He became Budget Director in 2017, and has led the department since 2019. 

Headshot of Fire Chief Butch Inks

Butch Inks, Fire Chief

Fire Chief Butch Inks and his team protect the life and property of everyone in Saint Paul. Chief Inks grew up in Saint Paul and has served over two decades with the Fire Department. He is a veteran of the Air Force, where he served for 26 years before retiring in 2012.

Headshot of Beth Commers.

Beth Commers, Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity

Beth Commers serves as Interim Director of HREEO, overseeing human rights and labor standards. Commers and her team investigate labor standards and human rights complaints for the City of Saint Paul. She previously worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. 

Headshot of Andrea Ledger.

Andrea Ledger, Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity

Andrea Ledger serves as Interim Director of HREEO, overseeing procurement and contract compliance. Ledger and ger team manage the City's purchase of goods and services. She previously served as Procurement Manager and Deputy Director for HREEO. 

Headshot of Brooke Blakey.

Brooke Blakey, Neighborhood Safety

Brooke Blakey and her team oversee the Mayor's Community-First Public Safety initiative, the City's most comprehensive, data-driven approach to public safety. Together, we're taking a comprehensive, data-driven approach to public safety. Blakey joined the City from Metro Transit Police, where she has served as Chief of Staff. She has served in the Ramsey County Public Defender's Office and Minnesota State Fair Police Department. 

Headshot of Director Andy Rodriguez

Andy Rodriguez, Parks and Recreation

Andy Rodriguez oversees a team of over 600 employees who maintain our award-winning parks and recreation system. Rodriguez grew up in Saint Paul and has been part of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation since 2005. Before leading the department, he served as Recreation Services Manager overseeing our network of 26 recreation centers. 

Headshot of Nicolle Newton.

Nicolle Newton, Planning and Economic Development

Nicolle Newton joined as Director of Planning and Economic Development in 2020. Her team supports residents and businesses through housing programs, business grants, zoning and more. Before coming to Saint Paul, Newton led economic development initiatives for Oklahoma City. 

Headshot of Chief Henry.

Axel Henry, Police Chief

Chief Axel Henry has led the Saint Paul Police Department since 2022. He oversees approximately 800 employees, including 575 sworn officers. Chief Henry is a Saint Paul native who has served with the department for over 25 years. He led the City’s body-worn camera program with more than 20 years of experience as a trainer and use of force expert. 

Headshot of Director Kershaw.

Sean Kershaw, Public Works

Sean Kershaw oversees a team of over 400 employees within Saint Paul Public Works. They're responsible for maintaining our City's roads, bridges, sewers, garbage collection, and more. He previously spent over a decade as project manager and deputy director of Planning and Economic Development for the City. 

Headshot of Angie Wiese.

Angie Wiese, Safety and Inspections

Angie Wiese has led the City's Department of Safety and Inspections since 2022. She and her team help support a safe and vibrant Saint Paul. Wiese has been with the City of Saint Paul for two decades. She previously served as Fire Safety Manager and Fire Protection Engineer.

Headshot of Talent and Equity Resources Director Toni Newborn.

Toni Newborn, Talent and Equity Resources

Toni Newborn serves as the first Chief Equity Officer for Saint Paul. She oversees the Office of Talent and Equity Resources. Her team works to attract and support a diverse, inclusive workplace. Newborn previously served as Diversity and Consulting Services Manager for Saint Paul. 

Headshot of Jaime Wascalus.

Jaime Wascalus, Technology and Communications

Jaime Wascalus and her team use data and technology to help build a City that works for all. They support departments citywide, using technology to better serve our community members. Before joining the City, Wascalus served as Chief Information Officer at the University of Minnesota. Her team supported over 50,000 students across five campuses.

Last Edited: April 18, 2025