/mdva/assets/Brad-Lindsay-Official_tcm1066-604718.jpg[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Brad Lindsay to serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay has been serving as temporary commissioner since September.

“As a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience serving Minnesota’s Veterans and their families, I’m proud to appoint Brad Lindsay to this important role," said Governor Walz. “As a Veterans affairs leader, he has worked tirelessly to end Veteran homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and connect Minnesota’s Veterans to the services and benefits they have earned.”

“Brad Lindsay is an exceptional leader and public servant who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to those who’ve raised their hand to serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “It’s clear that the respect and care for Minnesota’s Veterans and their families are his top priority. I’m grateful for his continued service.”

“I have spent the last 25 years serving the Veterans of Minnesota in one capacity or another – it has truly been my life’s work and passion,” said Brad Lindsay. “I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported and mentored me over the years and who will undoubtedly support me in my new role. Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for their continued confidence in me to provide nation-leading programs and services for my fellow Veterans.”

About Brad Lindsay
Brad Lindsay was named the temporary commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in September 2023. Since 2014, Lindsay has served as the MDVA Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. In that role, he oversaw the Veterans Programs and Memorial Affairs, Veterans Services, and Veterans Education and Occupational Resources teams. Prior to his role as deputy commissioner, Lindsay served as MDVA’s senior director of programs and services for three years and as the Olmstead County Veterans services officer for six years. He was president of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers from 2008-2009.

Temporary Commissioner Lindsay is an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. He started his military career in the U.S. Army and served 13 years in the Military Police, within both the Regular and Reserve components. During his military service, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Germany, and Panama and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal.

“Brad Lindsay, a combat Veteran himself, is the perfect person for the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Stephen Whitehead, Minnesota Disabled American Veterans Adjutant. “As a Veteran who has been serving Veterans for more than two decades, Brad understands the importance of taking care of Veterans and has what it takes to get the job done right.”

“I have had the opportunity to work with Brad Lindsay for many years in his variety of positions supporting Minnesota Veterans,” said Dean Ascheman, Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund. “I applaud the Governor’s appointment of Brad as Commissioner of MDVA.”

“Brad Lindsay is a great team player who is always willing to work with the Veteran service organizations and always looking out for the best interests of Minnesota Veterans and their families,” said VFW State Commander Dan Meyer. “He will be a great asset in this position and for the future of MDVA."

“Brad has provided great leadership in his roles in MDVA, while building relationships with all the Veteran service organizations and government agencies, and still finding time to be present to hear the needs of Veterans and ensure the best services are provided,” said Stew Medneck, Minnesota Department of Jewish War Veterans. “He is beloved by the Minnesota Veteran community, and there is no person better suited for this position.”

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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.