Our Leadership

DEED is led by Commissioner Dan McElroy.

McElroy joined Governor Pawlenty's leadership team in 2003 as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Finance, where he was architect of the budget which addressed a $4.56 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. He later served as the Governor's chief of staff before becoming the Governor's senior advisor on innovation in 2005.

Prior to his appointments, McElroy served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. During that time, he was an assistant majority leader, chair of the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development Finance, and chair of the Legislative Audit Commission.

McElroy also was mayor of Burnsville (1987-1994) and a member of the Burnsville City Council (1983-1986). In the private sector, he was active in the travel agency business from 1979 to 1994 and in the travel agency software and consulting business from 1994 until 2003. He was a director of American Bank Burnsville and a member of the Burnsville Rotary Club, the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, the Citizen's League of the Twin Cities and the Center of the American Experiment.

These directors lead the divisions that administer the agency's services:

Mark Lofthus, Director
Business and Community Development 
This Division provides a variety of financial and technical services to businesses, communities and economic development professionals. It promotes and assists in the expansion of exports, works with companies to expand in or relocate to Minnesota, and helps communities with infrastructure financing.

Bonnie Elsey, Director
Workforce Development 
This Division works with local and statewide partners to provide training and support to unemployed and dislocated workers, and financial assistance for businesses seeking to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Additional services include State Services for the Blind, Rehabilitation Services, and Disability Determination. Many of these services are provided at WorkForce Centers located throughout the state.

Kathy Nelson, Director
Unemployment Insurance
This Division provides a temporary partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. It is an economic stabilizer and stimulator during economic downturns and helps maintain an available skilled workforce.

Kirsten Morell, Director
Communications, Analysis and Research 
This Division coordinates DEED’s information resources and provides centralized services in the areas of communications, marketing, publications, economic analysis, and labor market and other research. It also implements the state branding program—Positively Minnesota—in partnership with business, industry, education, and governmental organizations.