SPEARFISH - A former Northern Hills resident will take the reins as head of the City of Spearfish.

Greg Sund of Dickinson, N.D., has accepted the position of Spearfish administrator.

"I'm looking forward to serving the city of Spearfish," Sund said Tuesday. "It's kind of like going home for me."

Sund, a 1986 Black Hills State University graduate and former Deadwood City Councilman, will begin his responsibilities as city boss in October.

The news comes on the heels of City Finance Officer Beth Benning retiring late last year after serving for about 35 years.

According to Jodi Friedel, human resource director for the city of Spearfish, about 60 applications were screened and seven interviews were conducted since January. The city was looking for someone with experience in city administration and a strong financial background.

Sund fit the bill, Friedel said. He stood out because of his experience and connections to the area, she said.

Sund holds a master's degree in public administration from University of South Dakota.

The former Homestake Mine employee's first day will be Oct. 7.

Sund and his wife, Elizabeth, have three adult children. The family lived in the Deadwood and Boulder Canyon area from 1979 to 1991. Elizabeth is a Lead High School graduate.

The newly created position will change the organizational makeup of the Queen City municipality. City of Spearfish department heads will soon report to the city administrator.

"This is new for us," Spearfish Mayor Jerry Krambeck said.

But the shift in responsibility will be a positive change, he said. And, it will ease some of ever-increasing duties of the mayor.

Contact Kris Garlick-Beaty at 642-8822, Ext. 20, or kris.garlick@lawrencecountyjournal.com