[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that they have selected Lisa Harrison-Hadler to serve as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

“I am pleased to select Lisa Harrison-Hadler as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities,” said Governor Walz. “Lisa has extensive experience serving and advocating for compassionate care, treatment, and justice for all Minnesotans. She is well prepared to take on this role, and I’m grateful for her continued leadership and state service.”

“Lisa Harrison-Hadler is a true servant leader who is dedicated to protecting the rights of all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “By advocating for the dignity, fair treatment, and inclusion of all Minnesotans, she is making our state better for everyone. I look forward to working with her.”

“I am deeply honored to be appointed Ombudsman,” said Harrison-Hadler. “While our previous ombudsman’s time at the agency was far too brief due to his tragic passing, I look forward to carrying forward the critical work that he did at OMHDD on behalf of our clients and stakeholders. The office’s complaint investigation and resolution services, review of deaths and serious injuries, public reports, and advocacy to improve the service system are essential elements of Minnesota’s disability services landscape. I am excited to support and lead our passionate and dedicated staff in protecting and promoting the rights, justice, inclusion, and informed choice of our clients.”

About Lisa Harrison-Hadler
Lisa is the Deputy Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and has been leading the agency during the appointment process. Previously, she was the Regional Ombudsman for Southeast Minnesota and the Southwest Metro. Prior to joining the Office of Ombudsman in 2012, she worked as the community advocacy and development manager, independent living manager, and independent living coordinator with the Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living. Lisa earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Stout. 

About the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD) 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 emotional disturbance.

More information about OMHDD can be found at https://mn.gov/omhdd/about-us/.