[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Valerie Means to serve a six-year term on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). She will be replacing Chair Nancy Lange, whose term expired in January. Along with a vast background of experience, Means has a compelling personal story that inspired her to pursue a career in public service and is the first person of color to serve on the PUC in over thirty years. Governor Walz has selected current Commissioner Katie Sieben to serve as Chair of the Commission, for a term expiring on January 2, 2023. Commissioner Sieben’s appointment as Chair is effective immediately and Means’ term will begin on April 22, 2019.

“I am excited to appoint Valerie Means to the Public Utilities Commission,” said Governor Walz. “Valerie comes to the PUC with incredible qualifications and a deep understanding of public utilities from many perspectives. One thing is clear: she knows the real people behind the policy discussions that happen every day on the Commission, and she knows how to navigate this lesser-known arm of government fairly and effectively. I also want to thank Commissioner Sieben for her thoughtful and fair leadership on the Commission, and for agreeing to succeed former Commissioner Lange as Chair.”

“The Governor and I were both impressed with the story that Valerie brings to the PUC,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Valerie is not only extraordinarily qualified for the position, but her leadership is inspiring. I consider it my job to hold the door open for women and people of color, and it is deeply meaningful to me to appoint her to this role. When boards and commissions better reflect the communities they represent, we get better results for all Minnesotans.”

“I thank Governor Walz for the confidence shown in me by the appointment as a Commissioner on the Public Utilities Commission. It is an honor and a privilege,” said Valerie Means. “My experiences, both professional and personal, have helped me appreciate the diverse perspectives presented by advocates in PUC proceedings. I look forward to ensuring that safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible utility service is available to all Minnesotans.”

“I appreciate the trust the Governor and Lieutenant Governor have placed in me,” said Commissioner Katie Sieben. “I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners to make sound decisions that will result in reliable service, reasonable rates, and increased use of renewable energy.”

 “Valerie Means is a magnificent appointment to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, combining unequaled utility regulatory experience with deep curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a personal history that will serve all Minnesotans exceptionally well,” said Mike Bull, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Center for Energy and Environment. “Elevating Commissioner Katie Sieben to Chair the Commission is also a wonderful choice. Today’s appointments ensure the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is uniquely well positioned to address the coming energy and climate challenges in the years ahead, and to make decisions that will benefit current and future Minnesotans.”

“Governor Walz picked two highly-accomplished women to help guide the state toward a clean energy future without sacrificing affordability, reliability, or the safe and high-quality employment opportunities that the energy sector has provided to generations of Minnesotans,” said Tim Mackey, LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota President and Business Manager. “Commissioner Sieben is a lifelong champion of One Minnesota values and working people with a proven ability to help the Commission navigate complex issues. Ms. Means is an experienced utility lawyer who understands deeply how crucial affordable rates and good jobs are to the well-being of our families and communities. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, we know that Minnesota ratepayers and Minnesota’s energy workforce will be in good hands.”

“Valerie Means brings impeccable credentials to the PUC,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota. “Her vast experience, personal history and commitment to serving all Minnesotans make her a compelling choice who will bring an important new perspective to the commission.”

About Valerie Means

Valerie Means is a qualified mediator. Previously, she was an attorney and shareholder at Moss & Barnett, PA, where she represented public utilities and telecommunications service providers in regulatory proceedings before the PUC and state and federal courts. She was inspired to a life of public service by father, a Vietnam War veteran, and her mother, both of whom grew up in challenging circumstances and expected her to give back to her community.

She has also served as an Assistant Attorney General, the owner of Law Offices of Valerie M. Smith, and an Administrative Law Judge in Illinois. She is a member of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and was a founding member and Vice President of the Society of Women in Law. Means earned her BA from the University of Memphis and her JD from the University of Illinois College of Law.

About Commissioner Katie Sieben

Commissioner Katie Sieben was appointed to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission by Governor Mark Dayton, effective January 23, 2017. She also is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the Mid-America Regulatory Conference. Prior to serving on the Commission, she served in the Minnesota State Senate representing District 54, which includes portions of southern Washington and Dakota counties and was elected by her caucus to serve as the Assistant Majority Leader from 2012 to 2016.

 About the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries of Minnesota’s economy, including electricity, natural gas, and telephone services, ensuring safe, reliable, and effective utility services. The commission is a five-member body with legislative and quasi-judicial functions.

About the Appointment Process

Former Commissioner Lange resigned in December 2018 ahead of her term expiring in January 2019. The Governor’s staff received 46 applicants, and through screening, consultation, and interviews, recommended two finalists. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor interviewed both finalists and made their final selection.

In the interest of transparency, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the name of the other finalist—Teresa Kittridge.