[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor-elect Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor-elect Peggy Flanagan today announced Steve Grove as Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development; Nancy Leppink as Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry; Steve Kelley as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce; Cynthia Bauerly as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue; Mark Phillips as Commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board; John Harrington as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety; and Larry Herke as Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor-elect will name a Commissioner for Minnesota IT Services at a later date; today he announced Bill Poirier will serve as Acting Commissioner.

For high-resolution photos of the commissioners, visit http://mn.gov/tim-walz/administration. For a recording of the press conference, visit http://www.facebook.com/GovTimWalz. For an audio recording of the press conference, visit https://soundcloud.com/user-465530525/1419_gove-press-conference.

The Walz-Flanagan Administration By The Numbers

• More than 50% of the Commissioners are women.
• Over 20% of the Commissioners are people of color.
• Nearly 20% of the Commissioners live in Greater Minnesota, with 50% having grown up in Greater Minnesota.

Please note that the Acting Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services has not been included in these numbers.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Steve Grove as Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development

“When looking for a Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, I was mindful of finding a leader who understands the values of investing in talent from rural towns to urban neighborhoods, who has experience with the business community, and who is an innovative leader who can guide our state into the economy of the future. Steve Grove is that leader,” said Walz. “I look forward to working with Steve to address our looming workforce shortage and engage all talent available to us by investing in our workforce in communities of color and Greater Minnesota.”

“Steve understands the importance of addressing racial inequity in employment,” said Flanagan. “With a background in business and tech, he is committed to collaborating across sectors to build an economy that works for all Minnesotans – no matter their race or zip code.”

“Minnesota has one of the worst opportunity gaps the nation – and that problem won’t be solved unless we treat it like the emergency it is, working with business to ensure we’re building talent in our workforce across the demographic spectrum to help business thrive in this state,” said Grove. “That’s the vision that Governor-elect Walz and Lt. Governor-elect Flanagan boldly outlined in their One Minnesota campaign, and I’ll work tirelessly with them and the great team they’re assembling to make a reality.”

“Upon meeting Steve, I was struck by his deep devotion to Minnesota students and their educational and professional futures. As a three-year board member of Silicon North Stars, the nonprofit he and his wife founded, I've witnessed his relentless pursuit of creating economic opportunities for Minnesotans,” said Damola Ogundipe, a board member of Silicon North Stars and CEO of Civic Eagle. “I look forward to seeing that same passion and dedication to Minnesotans in his new role as DEED Commissioner.”

Steve Grove will start as Commissioner on January 28. Deputy Commissioner Blake Chaffee will serve as Acting Commissioner until then.

About Steve Grove

Steve Grove, 41, is the founding director of Google’s News Lab, a global division of the company that partners with media companies and startups to drive innovation in the news industry. In that role, he led the development of the Google News Initiative, a $300M commitment from the company to help journalism thrive in the digital age. He has built teams in over a dozen countries and launched partnerships in over 50 countries, including a global technology training effort that trains over 500,000 journalists in person and online every year. Steve also leads Google’s civic engagement work, including the company’s non-partisan voter information and get-out-the-vote outreach efforts. He previously led YouTube's first news and politics team, building a global partnership effort for political candidates, news organizations, nonprofits, and citizen journalists. Steve wrote for The Boston Globe and ABC News prior to joining Google. He has served as an advisor to the White House and State Department on countering violent extremism, and serves on the advisory boards of Witness, a video human rights nonprofit; and Report for America, a nationwide service organization to improve local news. Steve and his wife Mary founded a nonprofit called Silicon North Stars, which helps youth from underserved communities in Minnesota pursue careers in technology.

A native of Northfield, Minnesota, Steve received his Bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College and a Master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. In 2018, the Grove moved from Silicon Valley to Minneapolis, Minnesota with their two-year-old twins.

About the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote community development to facilitate an economic environment that produces jobs and improves the quality of the state’s workforce. The work is driven by overarching objectives that provide a roadmap for action and help assess progress in meeting goals for Minnesota’s workers, businesses, and all communities.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Hamse Warfa and Patrick Seeb.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Nancy Leppink as Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry

“Nancy understands that Minnesota’s prosperity depends on a workforce that is prepared through lifelong education and training for the future of work,” said Walz. “We are thrilled she will be moving back to her home of Minnesota to help us work toward innovative and forward-thinking solutions.”

 “We are excited that Nancy will bring decades of national and international experience to our Administration as the next Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry,” said Flanagan. “Nancy understands the complexities of our workforce and economy, and will work across lines of difference to help us build a Minnesota that works for all.”

“For all Minnesotans to share in the prosperity of the state’s vibrant and diverse economy, together we must ensure that economy is built on the foundations of decent work: work that pays a fair wage, work that is safe and supports health, and provision of needed social protections and a pathway back to work when work injuries and illnesses happen,” said Leppink. “I look forward to working again with the committed staff the Department of Labor and Industry and all Minnesotans in finding forward-leaning solutions to meet these challenges.”

“Wage theft and employee misclassification continues to harm workers, especially those from low-income communities and communities of color. These persistent problems require a world-class leader with proven experience and the track record to effectively address them,” said Tim Mackey, President and Business Manager of LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. “The incoming Commissioner Ms. Nancy Leppink’s resume clearly demonstrates that she has been such a leader nationally and internationally, and we are excited to work with her to protect Minnesota workers.”

Nancy Leppink will start as Commissioner on March 4, 2019. Deputy Commissioner Christopher Leilfeld will serve as Acting Commissioner until then.

About Nancy Leppink

Born in Two Harbors, Nancy Leppink, 60, has worked to protect the rights of workers since 1985. Nancy began her career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, and later as Chief General Counsel for Department of Labor and Industry. After 24 years in state service, she was appointed by the Obama Administration to be the Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor and led the Division as its Acting Administrator. During her tenure, she reimagined the Wage and Hour Division as an innovative and proactive enforcement agency, rebuilding its capacity, re-engineering its compliance strategies, and refocusing its resources on protecting low wage workers and creating a level playing field for businesses seeking to create decent jobs. Nancy currently serves as a branch chief for the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and is responsible for their international work assisting the governments and the employer and worker organizations of its 187-member states to improve their labor administration, labor inspection, and occupational safety and health capacities.

Nancy earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and her law degree from the University of Minnesota. She and her husband have two sons, and are moving back to the Twin Cities this year.

About the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy, and safe. The agency aims to provide workers from all communities with the opportunity to receive critical skills through apprenticeship training, and ensure all Minnesotans understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Brandon Rettke and Jessica Looman.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Steve Kelley as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce

“Steve Kelley has been a leader in telecommunications and energy policy for decades, working across parties to do good work for Minnesotans,” said Walz. “As we think about bridging the divide to build One Minnesota, Steve has the background and skills to bring this vision to reality.”

“I am proud to have Steve Kelley join our Administration as the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce,” said Flanagan. “Steve listens to and builds strong partnerships with communities to develop creative solutions for some of the toughest challenges we face – always staying committed to equal opportunity, regardless of zip code.”

“I am excited to have the opportunity to support the Walz-Flanagan administration as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce in their efforts to protect consumers, ratepayers, and the public interest in financial services and energy and telecommunications regulation,” said Kelley. “The new Administration will have the opportunity to advance Minnesota's health care and energy future and I feel privileged to be a part of the team.”

“Steve Kelley is an outstanding choice to head the Department of Commerce. He seeks out diverse perspectives and works with an open heart and mind to reach common ground for the common good,” said Bernadine Joselyn, Director of Public Policy and Engagement at the Blandin Foundation. “Through our work together to bring broadband access to greater Minnesota, I know Steve to be a principled and clear-eyed advocate for equal opportunity for all.”

About Steve Kelley

Steve Kelley, 65, is a Senior Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.  Before joining the Humphrey School in 2007, Steve served in the Minnesota Senate for 10 years and the Minnesota House of Representatives for 4 years. During his legislative service, Steve chaired the Senate Education Committee and served on committees dealing with energy and telecommunications regulation in both the House and the Senate. He was one of the Legislature’s leading experts on telecommunications policy, including issues related to broadband service. Steve teaches courses in education law and policy, science, technology and environmental policy, and global venture design. One of his projects at the University of Minnesota has been assisting with the bipartisan Renewable Energy Policy Exchange through which the University introduces Minnesota policymakers to Germany’s energy policy and brings German experts to Minnesota to share policy ideas. Before his election to the Legislature, Steve was a member of the Board of Directors of Medica (formerly Physicians Health Plan) and a pubic member of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Throughout his legislative service, Steve practiced commercial litigation in Minneapolis, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex cases involving securities fraud, accounting malpractice, and other financial transactions.

Steve received his Bachelor’s degree from Williams College and his law degree from Columbia University. He and his life, Sophie, have two children and four grandchildren, and currently live in Hopkins.

About the Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce’s mission is to protect the public interest and advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future, and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Michael Krikava and Jacqueline Gardner.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Cynthia Bauerly as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue

“Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly is a proven and tireless leader, and we are excited to have her stay at the Department of Revenue as part of our Administration,” said Walz. “With a dedication to public service, Commissioner Bauerly brings deep expertise in revenue and economic security. She is unequivocally qualified to continue leading this agency in ensuring the state’s tax system works for everybody.”

“We’re thrilled to have Commissioner Bauerly continue her service at the helm of the Department of Revenue in the face of tax conformity,” said Flanagan. “She is a champion for diversity and inclusion within the agency, and is committed to level the playing field for all.”

“I am grateful to Governor-elect Walz and Lt. Governor-elect Flanagan for this opportunity to continue to serve the people of Minnesota as Commissioner of Revenue,” said Commissioner Bauerly. “It has been my privilege to work alongside the dedicated employees of the Department of Revenue for the past four years and I look forward bringing the vision of One Minnesota to our work in service of all Minnesotans.”

“I’ve had a chance to serve with Commissioner Bauerly over eight years, and she is one of the best public servants I know,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Cynthia is always looking for solutions to tough problems. She brings humor, intelligence, heart, and strategic insight to every challenge. The Department of Revenue must be a trusted, nonpartisan organization, and Cynthia has demonstrated that she knows how to lead Revenue with integrity, and bring the very best out of this Department.”

About Cynthia Bauerly

Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly, 47, was raised in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. She has served as Commissioner of Revenue since January 2015 after joining the department as Deputy Commissioner in the spring of 2014. As Commissioner, she oversees an agency with more than 1,500 employees that manages over 30 different taxes and collects over $20.5 billion annually. Prior to joining the Department of Revenue, Cynthia served as Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) where she led the department’s work of providing economic security for transitioning workers and workforce training and readiness. Cynthia has extensive experience in law, management, and public policy. She has served in key leadership and management roles, including as a Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission from 2008-2013, and as Chair of the agency in 2011. Previously, she worked in the United States Senate developing and implementing a broad policy agenda that included working with the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees and the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. She has also worked in private practice in both Minnesota and Washington, D.C., most recently as a lawyer at Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis.

Cynthia earned her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, her law degree from Indiana University School of Law – Bloomington, and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University’s School of Environmental and Public Affairs. She and her husband live in Minneapolis.

About the Minnesota Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue’s mission is to work together to fund Minnesota’s future, so it may provide customers with services that foster a productive and healthy work environment. Ensuring a fair and efficient administration of Minnesota’s revenue system benefits all Minnesotans.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Jenny Starr, Anne Lenzcweski, and Matt Massman.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Mark Phillips as Commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board

“We are excited to announce that Commissioner Mark Phillips will continue on with the Walz-Flanagan Administration at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board,” said Walz. “Commissioner Phillips is dedicated to helping our local communities in northeastern Minnesota not just survive, but thrive.”

“Commissioner Phillips embodies our values of One Minnesota,” said Flanagan. “He is committed to helping Greater Minnesota prosper through business partnerships, educational grants, and workforce development. We look forward to working with him so that everyone in our state has the opportunity to succeed.”

“I am honored to continue my role as the Commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation in the Walz-Flanagan Administration,” said Commissioner Phillips. “Through the integration of business partnerships, public policy, and community and workforce development, I look forward to continuing our work to revitalize and invest in northeastern Minnesota.”

“Citizens on the Iron Range and across the state of Minnesota will be well served by Mark Phillips in his role as Commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Agency,” said Nancy Norr, Director of Regional Development at Minnesota Power and fellow member of the Arrowhead Growth Alliance. “Mark Phillips has had a distinguished public and private sector career and understands the work needed to bring prosperity to this region as part of One Minnesota.”

About Mark Phillips

Commissioner Mark Phillips, 68, is a native Iron Ranger, growing up in Eveleth, MN. Mark served as Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation under Governor Mark Dayton’s administration. He has more than 35 years of leadership in development and finance, including launching new and creative programs for community and economic development, real estate development and business financing. Previously, Mark served as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and as the Director of Business Development at Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. He is a recipient of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s Career Achievement Award.

Mark is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. He and his wife Patricia live on Lake Vermilion and have two grown children and two grandchildren.

About the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board

The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, located in Eveleth, Minnesota, is tasked to promote and invest in business, community, and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. The goals of the agency are to ensure the regional economy is resilient and diversified and has a growing, skilled workforce that meets business and industry needs.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Mary Finnegan and Ben DeNucci.

Walz-Flanagan Announce John Harrington as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety

“I am proud to announce John Harrington as the next Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety,” said Walz. “John brings broad experience and deep expertise in public safety. He not only talks the talk, but walks the walk when it comes to diversity and inclusion. We are looking forward to working with him to continue building an equitable, safe, and just state.”

“John is committed to making sure every Minnesotan feels safe in their own community,” said Flanagan. “He understands the intricacies and interdependence of the challenges we face with public safety, always looking at his work through a lens of equity and inclusion.”

“After 40 years in local policing I am honored to have been chosen to join the Walz-Flanagan Administration,” said Harrington. “The vision of One Minnesota has to include fair and impartial policing and public safety that is both reflective of and responsive to the community we serve.”

“I believe John Harrington’s lifelong experience and commitment to the well-being of our community make him an excellent choice for this very important position,” said Shelley J. Cline, Executive Director at the St. Paul and Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project. “He has been both innovative and instrumental in ensuring our justice systems be accessible and equitable for all, and passionately believes that government is stronger when the community has a voice in its decisions.”

About John Harrington

John Harrington, 62, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Minnesota to begin his police career in 1977 at the Saint Paul Police Department, working his way up the chain of command from patrol officer. He was selected Chief of Police in 2004 and served in that role until 2010. As Chief of Police, he addressed some of Saint Paul’s most difficult problems resulting in numerous successes, including the development of innovative programs that have greatly reduced domestic violence and gang involvement. John was appointed to serve as the Metro Transit Chief of Police for the Twin Cities area in 2012, overseeing significant growth of the agency and increasing diversity of the department from 5 to 50 percent. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Minnesota State Senator from the east side of St. Paul from 2010 to 2012. John has been on the faculty at Metropolitan State University, Saint Mary’s University, and St. Thomas University where he teaches Leadership, Demographics, Community Oriented Policing, and Gangs. He is the founding member of the Asian American and Black Police officer Associations, and helped launch and chairs the board at Ujamaa Place a non-profit agency that works with African-American men to transition them out of prison and gangs into productive community members.

John received his Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth University and Master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. He is the father of five adult children and has 16 grandchildren, and currently resides in the Twin Cities.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is dedicated to prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, enforcement, and education. Through their services, and partnership with the legislature, they aim to ensure that every Minnesotan can live a safe and healthy life.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Pat Medure and Jack Serier.

Walz-Flanagan Announce Larry Herke as Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs

“Those who’ve raised their hand to serve deserve the best care and services our state can provide. Larry Herke is a demonstrated leader and public servant, who understands this better than anyone else.” said Walz. “He brings military and government experience to the role, but more importantly is unequivocally devoted to the betterment of people’s lives. As a veteran myself, I am proud to have another veteran join our Administration as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

“Larry selflessly and faithfully dedicated his life to serving others,” said Flanagan. “We are excited to have Larry join our team and help make Minnesota a national leader in state-provided care and services for veterans.”

“For the first 30 years of my life, I had the opportunity to serve my country as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard. During my career I was humbled by the service members’ selfless service and dedication to duty,” said Herke. “Now, I have the opportunity help over 327,000 Minnesota Veterans and their families to get all the care and benefits that they have earned.  I am honored to be a member of the Walz-Flanagan Administration as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.”

“I have known and served with Larry Herke for over 25 years. He is a leader, soldier, and veteran who puts the interests of others in front of his own,” said Neal Loidolt, President and CEO of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. “He is an outstanding choice for the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs because he knows and understands veterans and has a strong vision for the future. The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is excited for the future of our partnership.”

About Larry Herke

A native of Mankato, Larry Herke, 55, is current the Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability for the State of Minnesota. In that role he guides and supports 24 cabinet level agencies as they employ sustainable strategies to save money, conserve resources, and improve the environment. The Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES) develops sustainable strategies that that can be replicated and shared between agencies in the areas of energy, fleet, water, solid waste, procurement and greenhouse gas. Prior to his current position with the State of Minnesota, Larry served 31 years in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota National Guard.  While in the National Guard he deployed to Tallil, Iraq where he served as the Chief of Staff for the 5,200 Soldier, 1/34 Brigade Combat Team. Upon completion of the deployment to Iraq, Larry commanded the 1/134 Brigade Special Troops Battalion located in Bloomington, MN.  In his last position with the Minnesota National Guard, he served as the Construction and Facilities Management Officer where he was responsible for all real property improvements. His awards and decorations from his military service include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Combat Action Badge. Larry serves on the board of the Minnesota Military Museum as the Vice President of Facilities.

Larry received his Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University at Mankato. He and his wife of 33 years, Debbie, have three sons and live in Sauk Centre.

About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by assisting them in securing state and federal benefits, and by providing programs and services that honor and recognize their service and sacrifice.

Finalists

In the interest of transparency, the incoming Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Mike McElhiney and Eddie Frizell.

For salary information visit https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/ss/ssagsal.pdf.