Andrew Adams to lead EP Schools’ business services

Eden Prairie (EP) Schools has named Andrew Adams as the district’s executive director of business services, effective Feb. 5, 2024.

Adams will replace outgoing executive director Jason Mutzenberger, who has been with EP Schools since 2014. Mutzenberger is leaving for a role at the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO), a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that provides operational support services to more than 230 school districts in the U.S. and Canada.

Since Mutzenberger’s last day at EP Schools is Dec. 29 and Adams does not begin until Feb. 5, there will be a roughly one-month gap where the executive director role is vacant. However, Grace Becker, director of marketing and communications for EP Schools, said, “We have a highly capable team of Business Services directors, and both Jason and Andrew are committed to supporting a smooth transition.”

Adams joins from St. Paul Public Schools

Adams is a certified public accountant who has worked as the executive director of financial services at St. Paul Public Schools for the past four months, having joined the district in September 2023.

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Prior to that, he spent two years as the executive director of finance and operations in Austin Public Schools. He also currently is a board director for the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Adams has held roles as a business owner, worked in the Medford and Faribault school districts, and worked in public accounting. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, leadership, and theology in 2011 from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

In a press release, EP Schools said, “Prior to his most recent roles, Adams gained extensive experience in school district finance and operations through a combination of school leadership and private sector financial audits with public school districts. His background in financial audits of school districts and government entities will help him to build upon the legacy of strong fiscal stewardship here in Eden Prairie Schools.”

Adams said, “I’m honored to accept the role of executive director of business services. During my interview process, I felt instantly comfortable here and strongly aligned with the district mission. It really felt like I was coming home. I look forward to building on such a strong foundation and helping to guide the district into its next 100 years.”

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Josh Swanson, EP Schools’ superintendent, said, “We are fortunate to have such a strong leader, who brings a strategic and well-rounded view of managing both finance and operations, join our team. He has a record of creating strong relationships and caring for the people he serves in ways that align with our core values, and I am confident he will carry forward our promise of financial stability for our students, families, staff and community while living our mission each day.”