In early February, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke announced that Dave Bellefeuille had been selected as the new MDVA Senior Administrative Officer (SAO). Dave replaces former SAO John Dorin who left the agency in December 2022.

As SAO, Dave supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners in the overall administration of the agency. He provides leadership to agency-wide administrative functions including Communications, Finance, Human Resources, General Counsel, Legislative Affairs, Property, Construction, Continuity of Operations (COOP), and Safety, Strategic Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Internal Controls/Audit.

Dave is a familiar name at MDVA, having served the agency for 17 years. Since 2014, he has been the Director of Veteran Education and Employment Programs. Previously, he held the roles of Higher Education Veterans Program Supervisor and as a Regional Coordinator based at Moorhead State University.

Dave is an active-duty Navy Veteran who served for 10 years. He was assigned to the Commander Second Fleet in Norfolk Virginia and Submarine Group 8 in Naples Italy.

Dave holds a Master of Science degree and resides with his wife Jacki in Oakdale.

“I am honored to continue to serve Minnesota’s Veterans, their dependents, and survivors in this senior leadership role at MDVA. The Senior Admin Officer position provides the continuity among the Commissioner, central office leadership, Healthcare Deputy Commissioner, and the Programs and Services Deputy Commissioner. My assignment is to support the Veterans Homes, state cemeteries, and all programs and services Veterans have earned through their service to our country.”

Dave will continue to office at the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul. He can be reached at david.bellefeuille@state.mn.us or at 651-757-1530.