St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of a new Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Governor Walz named Jodi Harpstead to succeed Tony Laurey, who held the post for only about six months before resigned just days after two Deputy Commissioners departed the agency for unspecified reasons. The later rescinded their resignation following the departure of Lourey and his Chief of Staff.

Harpstead is currently the CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and previously was employed in the senior leadership at Medtronic.

“It is my honor to appoint a Commissioner of Human Services with broad private and non-profit experience, and a proven record of strong, compassionate leadership,” said Governor Walz. “As CEO of Lutheran Social Service, Jodi Harpstead has led an organization that touches lives in every corner of our state, and I look forward to her bringing that vision and expertise to DHS. “In her work with Lutheran Social Service, Jodi has proven that she recognizes the importance of delivering services efficiently, while also acknowledging the deeply human component of this work,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I look forward to working with Jodi to ensure that the essential services DHS provides are worthy of our children and families across Minnesota.”

News says Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is one of Minnesota’s largest human service organizations with 2,300 employees and 8,000 volunteers that serve one in 65 Minnesotans. Harpstead is scheduled to report to work in the statement government next month.

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