/mdva/assets/ben-johnson_tcm1066-625224.jpgSt. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Benjamin (Ben) Johnson Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. Ben has served in this role on an interim basis since October 2023.

Ben joined MDVA in 2014 and held the role of Legislative Director for the last eight years. He has been responsible for legislative and government relations, development of agency policy initiatives, supporting the agency’s biannual budget and capital investment requests and general oversight of agency legislative strategies. From December 2022 through February 2023, Ben served as the Interim Senior Administrative Officer leading MDVA’s Central Office administrative activities.

A Veteran of the United States Navy, Ben enlisted in 2002 and completed his first deployment as a member of the engineering department aboard the USS O’Bannon (DD-987). His second duty was an assignment to the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command - Mobile Security Squadron Six. In 2005 and again in 2007, Ben deployed to the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting anti-terrorism and force protection activities.

Ben holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law and is a Policy Fellow alumnus of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphry School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

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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 five 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.