[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan today announced six new members of the Walz-Flanagan Cabinet.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Willie Jett as Commissioner of Education

“Having worked in school districts from St. Cloud to St. Paul, Willie Jett understands the shared challenges and diverse needs of schools across our state,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working together to ensure every child in Minnesota receives a world-class education, no matter their race or zip code.”

"Willie Jett is a skilled, thoughtful leader dedicated to the success of education and public schools,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “With extensive administrative experience and a deep focus on equity, I know that he is ready to step up to the challenge to ensure that our students, teachers, and administrators have the tools, resources, and support they need to be successful.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of Education under Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan,” said Willie Jett. “Great work happens in community, and I look forward to partnering with educators, legislators, businesses, and higher education. Together, we will continue to advance access and opportunity for every child in every corner of Minnesota.”

“We are looking forward to working with Mr. Jett on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans and educators ,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “From the opportunity gaps faced by our BIPOC students, to reducing class sizes, to providing sufficient mental health services, to stabilizing the educator workforce through improved compensation from the first day through a dignified retirement, there are unprecedented challenges for Minnesota schools right now. We’re eager to begin the hard work of finding solutions with the new commissioner.”

Willie Jett II is an instructor in the Education Administration Licensure program in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota. He has taught and led in urban, suburban, and greater Minnesota school districts for over three decades. Jett understands the challenges and strengths of all communities, and his career is characterized by a commitment to raising student achievement and closing opportunity gaps. He is committed to preparing our future citizens, growing Minnesota’s workforce, and supporting professional educators. Jett earned his B.S. from University of Illinois at Chicago and M.A. from University of Pittsburgh.

About the Agency

The Minnesota Department of Education provides a world-class education for all Minnesota students by striving for excellence, equity, and opportunity. The department develops, builds, and maintains collaborative relationships with schools, districts, and other stakeholders through a wide variety of advisory boards, councils, and committees.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Brooke Cunningham as Commissioner of Health

"As the leader of the Minnesota Department of Health’s equity work, Dr. Brooke Cunningham has demonstrated her skill as a leader and commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of people across the state,” said Governor Walz. “She shares our vision of public health, and we are glad to have her leadership and expertise in our Administration.”

"Dr. Brooke Cunningham’s passion and expertise for health equity will help us build a more affordable, equitable health care system that serves all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “With her leadership, we will continue to address the health inequities underlying our state and work to ensure Minnesota remains one of the healthiest states in the nation.”

“I am thrilled to be appointed to lead the Department of Health at this critical time in the agency’s history,” said Brooke Cunningham. “As the agency transitions out of a pandemic response, its leaders and staff have a unique opportunity to reinvest in the foundational capabilities of public health. I aim to prioritize equity in our science, operations, and community partnerships, so that we can more effectively protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.”

“Since our school's founding in 1944, we have collaborated closely with the state health department to improve the health and wellbeing of Minnesota's communities. I am thrilled that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Dr. Brooke Cunningham as Minnesota’s Commissioner of Health," said Timothy Beebe, PhD, interim dean of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. "Dr. Cunningham has extensive experience in public health, patient care, and public service, and I look forward to forging an even stronger collaboration with the department under her guidance. Her leadership will help Minnesotans stay healthy and access health care in a more affordable and equitable way.”

“We are pleased that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Dr. Brooke Cunningham as Minnesota's Commissioner of Health,” said Kari Oldfield-Tabbert, Executive Director, Local Public Health Association of Minnesota. “We know her extensive experience in public health and public service will make her a good partner to Minnesota's local health departments. We look forward to working with Dr. Cunningham to ensure that Minnesota remains a healthy place to live and visit."

“I am thrilled that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Dr. Brooke Cunningham as Minnesota’s Commissioner of Health,” said Dr. Nathan Chomilo, Medical Director, State of Minnesota Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs. “Dr. Cunningham has extensive experience driving innovative systems change in public health, patient care, and medical education. Her leadership in the department has demonstrated a clear vision for public health centered on community and through a lens of health and racial equity. Dr. Cunningham is uniquely suited to apply the lessons learned during the COVID19 pandemic and lead a transformation in public health to ensure no one in Minnesota is left behind.”

“I am excited that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Dr. Brooke Cunningham as Minnesota’s next Commissioner of Health,” said Mary Turner, President, Minnesota Nurses Association. “Dr. Cunningham's background at both the bedside and within the department put her in a strong and unique place to lead the department from a lens of health and equity. We look forward to working with Dr. Cunningham to fix the widespread issues in Minnesota hospitals and our healthcare system overall."

Brooke Cunningham is the assistant commissioner of the Health Equity Bureau at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). She identifies strategies to advance health equity and oversees the Center for Health Equity, the Office of American Indian Health, the COVID-19 Health Equity Team, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office. Previously, as an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School, Cunningham’s teaching and scholarship broadly focused on race and medicine, including the use of race in medical decision-making, physicians’ preparation to address patients’ experiences of racism as part of routine clinical care, and provider and organizational factors associated with the uptake and integration of health equity into health care delivery. She provides primary care at the Community-University Health Care Clinic. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Cunningham majored in history and African-American studies at the University of Virginia; received her doctorates in medicine and sociology from the University of Pennsylvania; trained in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center; and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Medica Research Institute (AcademyHealth).

About the Agency

The Minnesota Department of Health is a large agency that protects, maintains, and improves the health of all Minnesotans. The department’s vision is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Ida Rukavina as Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation

"I am excited to announce that Ida Rukavina will serve as the next Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation,” said Governor Walz. “With extensive experience serving schools, townships, and cities on the Iron Range, she is dedicated to ensuring that local communities in northeastern Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive.

"Ida Rukavina has the leadership and advocacy experience to meaningfully serve the communities across the Iron Range,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “From good schools to reliable infrastructure and thriving businesses, she will work to ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”

“I am honored for this opportunity from Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to serve the people of the northland in this role as Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation,” said Ida Rukavina. “I am looking forward to working with people and communities of the Taconite Assistance Area to continue working towards a future which includes jobs that support families, a strong educational system, and thriving cities and towns.”

“Ida Rukavina is an excellent choice to serve the Northland at the State Capitol,” said Rick Cannata, Mayor of Hibbing. “She is well-positioned to work across business, nonprofit, and public sectors to grow the Iron Range economy. As Mayor, I’ve gotten to know Ida and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

Ida Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. She is the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). Rukavina has primarily worked in government and the labor movement, representing public and private employees in northern Minnesota and working with government at the state, local, and federal levels. She earned her B.A. from Clark University and her M.A.P.L. from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

About the Agency

The Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) goal is to invest in resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships, and strengthening businesses and worker education. The department provides vital funding, including low or no interest loans and grants for businesses relocating or expanding in the region.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Nicole Blissenbach as Commissioner of Labor and Industry

"I am excited that Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach will continue to lead the Department of Labor and Industry,” said Governor Walz. “From successfully overseeing the Frontline Worker Pay program to improving workplace safety for Minnesotans across the state, she is the right person to fight for and represent Minnesota’s workers.”

"I am grateful to Commissioner Blissenbach for stepping up to serve and improve the health and safety of Minnesota’s workers,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “As commissioner, she will continue the important work that she has already started to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all workers.”

“My career has been devoted to helping workers understand and enforce their rights and amplify their voices in the workplace,” said Nicole Blissenbach. “I wholeheartedly believe in the Department of Labor and Industry’s mission and look forward to continue working with the agency’s dedicated staff members to advance the goals of our agency and the Walz-Flanagan administration.”

“Nicole Blissenbach has a proven track record of action and leadership; making sure Minnesota’s labor laws are properly enforced,” said Bernie Burnham, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO. “Governor Walz made an excellent choice to ensure working Minnesotans can continue to count on the Department of Labor and Industry.”

Nicole Blissenbach joined the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) in June 2019 and has served as DLI's temporary commissioner since August 2022. She previously served as DLI's deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for enforcement and compliance strategies and partnerships. Before starting at DLI, she worked at Education Minnesota, where she served for nearly 10 years as an attorney in the legal department. Prior to working for Education Minnesota, Blissenbach worked in a private law firm, where she practiced labor and employment law. She is a Minnesota State Bar Association Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist. Blissenbach earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Morris and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

About the Agency

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy, and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation, and youth skills training programs.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Bob Jacobson as Commissioner of Public Safety

“I am proud to announce Bob Jacobson as the next Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety,” said Governor Walz. “Bob brings broad experience and deep expertise in public safety. We are looking forward to working with him as we continue to fight crime, respond to emergencies, and work to make sure that every Minnesotan is safe.”

"Bob Jacobson understands the importance of taking a holistic approach to public safety,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “He is an experienced leader in public safety and emergency management, as well as human services. He will blend this unique approach to prioritize the needs of children and families and ensure that all Minnesotans feel safe in their homes and communities.”

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and the state of Minnesota as the next commissioner of Public Safety,” said Bob Jacobson. “My goal will be to elevate and support the people who serve our state and our communities in their public safety mission, and to tirelessly and faithfully engage our partners and neighbors for the common goal of safe communities.”

“Bob Jacobson is one of the highest-integrity leaders I have met,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “While trained and promoted in law enforcement, he brings compassion and heart for all those he encounters. He will bring a balance of law enforcement experience and kindness and flexibility to the position of Commissioner of Public Safety.”

“Bob Jacobson is an excellent choice for Minnesota,” said Tikki Brown, Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner for Children and Family Services. “Working together to strengthen our Child Safety and Permanency Division, I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to keeping Minnesotans safe and I’m pleased that he will have an opportunity to provide that leadership as public safety commissioner. I am proud to once again call him a colleague in this new capacity.”

Bob Jacobson is the interim deputy assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Services. Previously, Bob served for more than 33 years in active law enforcement including 16 years as the director of public safety/chief of police for the City of New Brighton where he led their police, fire, and emergency management operations. He also served as interim police chief for the City of Stillwater during a leadership transition. Jacobson also served as the interim inspector general for the Department of Human Services. He served as the professional development director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, coordinating and implementing statewide and regional training and conferences for the Association. Jacobson has a B.A. from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and attended the Senior Management Institute for Police conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.

About the Agency

The Department of Public Safety is a state agency dedicated to prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, enforcement, and education.

Walz, Flanagan Announce Paul Marquart as Commissioner of Revenue

“As a former teacher, mayor, and legislator, Representative Paul Marquart is a dedicated public servant with strong expertise in tax policy and revenue,” said Governor Walz. “He is a talented leader and is deeply qualified to lead this agency to ensure that the state’s tax system works for everybody.”

"Representative Paul Marquart has dedicated his career to public service, and we're thrilled to have him continue his service at the helm of the Department of Revenue,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Representative Marquart’s steady leadership, expertise, and commitment to children and families will be a huge asset to the agency. ”

“I am extremely grateful and honored to have this opportunity to serve Minnesotans as their Commissioner of Revenue,” said Paul Marquart. “My highest priority is to assure that every Minnesotan has an opportunity to succeed with a tax code that values equity, fairness, integrity, and transparency.”

“Paul Marquart is well-positioned to represent the needs of the entire state,” said David Unmacht, Executive Director for League of Minnesota Cities. “His strong ties to cities across the state, leadership in the legislature, and many years of public service, including over ten years as a mayor, have equipped him to navigate the complexities of tax policy to ensure it is fair for all.

Paul Marquart served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served 18 years on the House Taxes Committee, including four years as the committee's chairperson. He was also chairperson of the House Education Finance Committee (2013-2014) and the Property Tax Division (2007-2010). Marquart served as the Mayor of Dilworth (1990-2000) and as a Dilworth City Councilmember (1988-1989). He currently teaches social studies at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School where he has taught for 39 years and coached wrestling for 16 years. Marquart earned an A.S. from North Dakota State School of Science, a B.A. and B.S. Ed. from the University of North Dakota, and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Tri-College University.

About the Agency

The Department of Revenue manages the state’s revenue system and administers state tax laws. The department manages over 30 different taxes and collects $26.7 billion annually.