Otter Tail County has announced the hiring of Clancy Oliphant as the new Public Information and Education Officer (PIEO) in the Solid Waste Department. A Fergus Falls native and graduate of Kennedy Secondary School, Oliphant began her work in the Solid Waste Department on May 1.

“In the 1980s the State of Minnesota authorized counties to manage solid waste for the purpose of reducing waste and landfilling.  Public education was specifically listed at the very beginning,” said Chris McConn, Solid Waste Director. “Educating and engaging the public is the only way we can succeed and for this reason, Clancy plays a tremendous role in our success.”

Bringing local insight and a passion for community engagement, Oliphant is excited to lead initiatives aimed at informing and educating residents and businesses about Otter Tail County’s integrated waste management system.

A dedicated advocate for youth in her community, Oliphant previously served as the Children’s Ministry Director at The Church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls, where she cultivated strong relationships with parents, children, and schools through weekly programming and special events.

“I am excited to promote the Precious Plastics Lab and organics recycling, as they are important assets to our communities. I look forward to engaging with others to discover the challenges, work to manage the obstacles, and educate the public toward the solutions,” said Oliphant.

In her new role as PIEO, Oliphant will collaborate with schools, businesses, and organizations to implement educational programs on a variety of topics, facilitate tours of Solid Waste facilities, and provide consulting services to businesses on waste management practices.