Leadership
DEED is led by Commissioner Mark R. Phillips.
Commissioner Phillips has more than 25 years of leadership in development and finance, including launching new and creative programs for community and economic development, real estate development and business financing. Phillips has led community and economic development organizations in government, private business and the nonprofit sector.
Prior to accepting the governor’s appointment to head DEED, he was director of business development for Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.
Phillips also was director of community and economic development at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) under Gov. Rudy Perpich, director of development for Duluth-based Minnesota Power, and vice president of Northeast Ventures Corp. in Duluth. The Economic Development Association of Minnesota presented him with its Career Achievement Award.
Phillips is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
The commissioner is married to Patricia Phillips, who is superintendent of School District 622 in North St. Paul, Maplewood and Oakdale. They have two grown children.
Commissioner Phillips is assisted by Deputy Commissioner Paul A. Moe and Executive Assistant Cheryl Klein.
DEED's Leadership Team also includes:
Lynne Batzli, Co-Director
Legislative Affairs
This office coordinates all aspects of the DEED legislative process, including planning and executing legislative strategy and coordinating all legislative contacts for DEED.
Rick Caligiuri, 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.
Katie Clark, Director
Trade
This office promotes the expansion of exports and foreign direct investments; sponsors and coordinates trade missions to targeted countries; and helps foreign companies invest in Minnesota through new business startups or expansions.
Tom Dicklich, Co-Director
Legislative Affairs
This office coordinates all aspects of the DEED legislative process, including planning and executing legislative strategy and coordinating all legislative contacts for DEED.
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. Many of the services are provided at WorkForce Centers located throughout the state.
Cindy Farrell, Chief Financial Officer
Administrative and Financial Services
This office provides fiscal oversight, budget management, and audit integrity for the agency and its programs.
Kim Isenberg, Director
Communications, Analysis and Research
This office coordinates DEED’s information resources, communications, marketing, publications, economic analysis, and labor market and other research; and implements the state branding program—Positively Minnesota—in partnership with business, industry, education, and governmental organizations.
Bryan Lindsley, Executive Director
Governor's Workforce Development Council
As Minnesota’s state workforce investment board, the council is at the center of a number of initiatives that are addressing the needs of Minnesota and its economy.
Mark Lofthus, Director
Business and Community Development
This division provides 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.
Henry May, Chief Information Officer
Business and Information Technology
This office is the primary technology support and application development group for DEED’s business operations.
Mary Oman, Director
Human Resources
This office, in partnership with the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget, provides human resources-related services to employees, supervisors, and managers.
Kim Peck, Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
This division helps Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for employment, independent living and community integration.
Richard Strong, Director
State Services for the Blind
This division helps Minnesotans who are blind, visually impaired or DeafBlind achieve vocational and personal independence.
Kathy Sweeney, Director
Innovation and Strategic Alliances
This office enhances Minnesota’s competitiveness by creating and connecting innovations, initiatives and strategic alliances in workforce and economic development.