Lapland council receives 16 applications for interim regional director position

The application period for the interim position of regional director of Lapland’s regional council closed on Monday afternoon, with 16 applications received. Notable candidates include former municipal leaders Timo Nousiainen from Tornio and Petri Härkönen from Enontekiö, as well as long-time centrist politician Hannu Takkula. Current deputy regional director, Päivi Ekdahl, has also applied for the position.

A preparation group appointed by the Lapland council aims to make decisions about interviews within a week. Following the interviews, candidates may be subjected to suitability assessments. The council will select the interim regional director in a special meeting during the fall.

Mika Riipi, who served as the regional director, moved to parliament in July to fill a vacancy left by Katri Kulmuni, who was elected to the European Parliament. The interim role will start on November 1 or by agreement and will last until April 18, 2027.

The list of applicants for the interim position includes:

– Päivi Ekdahl, Master of Education, Rovaniemi
– Petri Härkönen, Master of Administrative Sciences, Enontekiö
– Mika Kari, Master of Science in Technology, Helsinki
– Kirsi Kellokangas, Master of Business Administration, Jyväskylä
– Marko Koskenkorva
– Jan-Erik Laihinen
– Janne Maikkula, Rovaniemi
– Timo Nousiainen, Master of Social Sciences, Oulu
– Jouni Ponnikas, Doctor of Philosophy, Sotkamo
– Jori Reijula, Doctor of Technology
– Jussi Stoor, Master of Business Studies, Lemi
– Hannu Takkula, Doctor of Education, Rovaniemi
– Hanna Toiviainen, Doctor of Philosophy, Kerava
– Mika Uitto, Master of Engineering, Rovaniemi
– Charlotta Wiklund
– Jussi Ylimartimo, military officer degree, Tuusula

The preparation group for the recruitment process includes various members of the Lapland council.