ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Latest on leadership of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (all times local):
9:45 a.m.
Gov. Tim Walz has named the leader of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota to take over the state’s troubled Department of Human Services.
Walz said Monday that Jodi Harpstead will replace Commissioner Tony Lourey starting next month. DHS, the largest state agency, has been wracked by turmoil that included Lourey’s abrupt resignation last month.
Harpstead has been president and chief executive at Lutheran Social Services for nearly a decade. Her background also includes 23 years at medical device maker Medtronic. Walz highlighted Harpstead’s business credentials as well as her nonprofit work in announcing the appointment.
A pair of Minnesota Senate committees plan a joint hearing Tuesday on problems at DHS. Lourey quit just days after two deputy commissioners resigned without public explanation.
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8:11 a.m.
Gov. Tim Walz will name a new human services commissioner Monday to lead an agency hit by turmoil amid the abrupt resignation of Commissioner Tony Lourey and other officials last month.
The new commissioner will be tasked with steadying Minnesota’s largest state agency. Some lawmakers have called the post the toughest job in state government.
Lourey resigned last month just days after two deputy commissioners quit with no public explanation. His chief of staff also resigned. The two deputies rescinded their resignations after Walz installed former state finance commissioner Pam Wheelock as acting commissioner.
Two Minnesota Senate committees will hold a joint hearing Tuesday on the upheaval at the agency, as well as more than $25 million in overpayments to two Indian tribes for substance abuse treatment programs.
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