Governor Tim Walz has named Jodi Harpstead, C-E-O of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, as the new commissioner of the embattled state Human Services Department. Harpstead says from working with them at Lutheran Social Services, she knows state Human Services Department employees are dedicated, caring and competent. “They now deserve a chance to rebuild their team and get back to their good work of effectively supporting their neighbors,” she says.
Harpstead takes over September 3rd. Acting Human Services Commissioner Pam Wheelock will testify for the administration at tomorrow’s hearings by Senate Republicans. They want more information on top management resignations, fraud and possible cover-up, and overpayments to Native American tribes.