Ida Rukavina serves as the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. As Commissioner, Ida leads an agency charged with investing resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships, and strengthening business and worker education. Prior to her appointment, she served as the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). Ida 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.
Ida Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and American Politics with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations from Clark University and a Master’s Degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Ida and her husband Jesse enjoy living on the Iron Range with their two daughters. She is passionate about the great north woods and enjoys spending family time camping, skiing, snowboarding, hiking and fishing.
Al Becicka serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. He assists Commissioner Rukavina with fulfilling the agency's mission of promoting and investing in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. Al previously served as the agency’s legal counsel for almost 15 years advising on matters regarding the agency’s regional investments and compliance with state laws, rules and regulations. He also worked with the agency as a loan officer for various economic and business development projects. Prior to that, Al dedicated his expertise to serving the people of Minnesota in his roles at the Attorney General’s Office, the State Auditor’s Office and the Departments of Administration and Human Services. Al earned his Juris Doctor degree from University of Minnesota and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Maryland. He also received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Augsburg College, and he has an inactive Certified Public Accountants license in Minnesota.
He and his wife Leah, who is an obstetrician/gynecologist, live in Great Scott Township near Britt. They share four sons who are now grown and reside in the Cloquet area, Minneapolis, Boston and Ogden, Utah. Becicka was involved for many years with his sons' youth athletics, both as a coach and volunteer. The Becickas have one grandchild and two more due to be born in 2023. Al enjoys fishing and traveling with his growing family.
