[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Barnett (Bud) Rosenfield as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD), effective December 7.

“I am honored to appoint Bud Rosenfield as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Rosenfield is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record as a passionate advocate for justice. I am confident that he will use his knowledge, experience, and role to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable Minnesota.”

“Throughout his career, Bud Rosenfield has worked to ensure all Minnesotans are treated with the dignity, compassion, and respect they deserve,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I have no doubt that Mr. Rosenfield’s deep commitment to the people of Minnesota will strengthen the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.”

"It's an honor and privilege to be appointed by Governor Walz to lead the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities," said Rosenfield. "Since its inception more than 30 years ago, OMHDD has served a critical role in safeguarding the rights of, and advocating for, persons receiving services for mental health, developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, and chemical dependency. I look forward eagerly to working with the office's talented staff as we seek to eliminate barriers to proper treatment and inclusion, improve services and programs, fight for disability justice, and help our clients achieve healthy, meaningful lives in their communities."

About Bud Rosenfield

Bud Rosenfield is a supervising attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid/the Minnesota Disability Law Center, where he started as a staff attorney in 1998. His prior experience includes representing individuals in employment law and civil rights cases. Rosenfield also worked as a staff coordinator for the Special District Apportionment Panel and clerked for the Honorable Harriet Lansing. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

About the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities protects the rights of Minnesotans through individual and systemic advocacy. OMHDD is charged with promoting the highest attainable standards of treatment, competence, efficiency, and justice for persons receiving services for mental illness, developmental disabilities, chemical dependency, or emotional disturbance. OMHDD oversees work done by state agencies, local school districts, and county social service agencies that monitor, provide, or regulate services or treatment to clients. OMHDD also oversees work done by programs and facilities licensed, registered, or certified by the Department of Human Services or Minnesota Department of Health providing services for mental health, developmental disabilities, chemical dependency, and/or emotional disturbance. More information about OMHDD can be found at https://mn.gov/omhdd/about-us/ .

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