[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today appointed Pam Wheelock as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS). She was appointed upon the resignation of Tony Lourey as commissioner.

“I would like to thank Tony Lourey for his dedicated service to the state of Minnesota as the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services,” Governor Walz said. “Tony is passionate about improving the health care of Minnesotans, and I am proud of what we accomplished together this legislative session.”

“I am grateful that Pam Wheelock has offered to step in to serve as commissioner while we find a permanent replacement,” Walz continued. “With decades of experience in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors, I know the top-notch team at DHS will appreciate Pam’s leadership as much as I do.”

With Lourey’s resignation effective at the end of the day today, July 15, Wheelock will meet with senior DHS leadership this afternoon and her appointment as Acting Commissioner is effective tomorrow, July 16.

About Pam Wheelock

Pam Wheelock is an experienced administrator with a career spanning the philanthropic, private, and public sectors, including extensive public service leadership. She was a trusted advisor in the Ventura Administration as Commissioner of Finance and also was Deputy Mayor and Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Saint Paul. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Twin Cities Habitat and her previous positions include Vice President of University Services at the University of Minnesota, Interim President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Vice President at the Bush Foundation, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Minnesota Sports and Entertainment. Her photo is attached to this email.

About the Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides services to help Minnesotans meet their basic needs, so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. The department serves over a million Minnesotans in 87 counties and 11 tribes, providing essential services from child support to food assistance. While the majority of human services in Minnesota are provided by our partners, DHS (at the direction of the governor and Legislature) sets policies and directs the payments for many of the services delivered.