Albert Lea Finance Director Rhonda Moen will begin as the new city finance director in Owatonna Oct. 25, according to Owatonna officials Friday.

She fills a position left open by former Finance Director Brad Svenby, who left Owatonna in September to pursue work in the private sector. He had been finance director since May of 2005.

“We’re excited to have her and are looking forward to her start date,” said Owatonna City Administrator Kris Busse.

The city received 14 applications for the job and conducted two rounds of interviews to select the new hire.

An initial panel conducted interviews Sept. 16, with the second interviews Sept. 21, said Assistant Owatonna City Clerk Jeanette Clawson.

The official approval and oath of office for the position will take place on Tuesday.

Busse said city officials were impressed with Moen’s experience and education.

“We thought her skills would be very valuable for us here in Owatonna,” she said.

Moen has worked for the city of Albert Lea since October 1983.

In an interview earlier this week, Rhonda said she decided she thought it was a time for a change of course.

“It was a great opportunity that came along,” Moen said. “I can continue to live in Albert Lea and work in Owatonna.”

While some of the recent controversy in the city did play a small factor in her decision, it was not the driving force.

“I would have considered this opportunity even if this hadn’t had happened,” she said. “I just wish the best for Albert Lea.”

There will also be a pay increase, with her starting salary set at $88,650. Moen’s salary was $83,000 in Albert Lea.

Moen, who is originally from South Dakota worked in the private sector prior to coming to Albert Lea.