Albert Lea Economic Development Agency board members last week interviewed three finalists for the position of executive director for the agency.

The position came open after former ALEDA Executive Director Ryan Nolander announced at the end of April he was hired as president of Rochester Area Economic Development Inc.

Noelle Hagen, ALEDA small business and marketing manager, said 17 applications were submitted for the position.

Phone interviews were conducted with 10 applicants, and then three finalists were selected to be interviewed in person.

The three finalists interviewed were the following:

• Naomi Lenz, Rural Business Service state office specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, of Albert Lea

• Pete Kampfer, city administrator of Hamilton, Texas

• Mark Vaux, executive vice president of Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

Hagen said the ALEDA Executive Committee interviewed the three finalists, and community stakeholders — including representatives from the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce board, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Albert Lea and Freeborn County — met with the candidates.

Hagen said she and City Manager Chad Adams gave the candidates tours of the community,

A new executive director is expected to be appointed July 11.