Our Team

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic and workforce development agency. Our mission is to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

DEED’s economic development programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; community development, and more.

Contact Us

Economic Development Leadership

Photograph of Matt Varilek
Matt Varilek
Commissioner
Photograph of Kevin McKinnon
Kevin McKinnon
Deputy Commissioner, Economic Development and Research
(651) 259-7432
Photograph of Gabrielle Gerbaud
Gabrielle Gerbaud
Executive Director
Minnesota Trade Office
(651) 707-3287
(800) 657-3858
Photograph of Neela Mollgaard
Neela Mollgaard
Executive Director
Small Business and Innovation Office
(800) 310-8323
Photograph of Catalina Valencia
Catalina Valencia
Executive Director
Business Development
(651) 259-7432

For a full picture of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team across both workforce and economic development programs & operations, see our DEED Website.