New Minnesota Department of Human Services
Commissioner Announced

On Monday, August 12 Gov. Tim Walz announced Jodi Harpstead as Minnesota’s next Department of Human Services commissioner.

Harpstead is the current CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and has worked for a number of other organizations, including Children’s Home Society of Minnesota and Medtronic. She is also a board member at ARRM.

During the announcement Walz highlighted Harpstead’s business credentials, as well as her experience in the nonprofit world.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services,” Harpstead said in a statement. “I know the people of the DHS to be the same dedicated, caring, and competent people I have worked with at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota … I am eager to see how my private sector skills can be useful in working with the dedicated people of the Department of Human Services to support people living full lives in communities across Minnesota.”

Harpstead will begin her new position on September 3.