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Joel Paulsen, PE, CFM

Executive Director

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Joel Paulsen became the first Metro Flood Diversion Authority Executive Director on Sept. 3, 2019, following a nationwide search. 

He has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, civil works and traffic related projects. Previously, he worked as an engineer and office leader for Stantec Engineering. He has worked on projects from utility replacements, transportation improvements, levee systems, and community planning. 

Paulsen served on the Moorhead City Council and was appointed by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton to the Governors’ Task Force in 2018. As a member of the Task Force, Paulsen was one of 16 local residents and experts asked to find solutions to achieve permanent flood protection for Fargo, Moorhead and the surrounding communities. 

Paulsen grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota, and received a Civil Engineering degree from North Dakota State University. He and his wife have four children. 

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