Longtime Anoka County manager Jerry Soma will replace current County Administrator Terry L. Johnson, who will retire next month.

"We have been blessed to have a number of excellent county administrators over the years," Anoka County Board Chair Rhonda Sivarajah said. "I'm very excited Jerry Soma has taken on this challenging role at a difficult time. He has proven to be a thoughtful, innovative leader in his current position" as the head of the county's Human Services division.

Added Johnson, who retires April 29: "One of the things that cross your mind is 'Who will lead the organization going forward?' I can't think of anyone more capable than Jerry Soma."

Soma began his career with Anoka County nearly 45 years ago as a probation officer. Throughout his tenure at the county, Soma has held various management positions and guided Anoka County through successful development in critical areas of human services.

PAUL LEVY