Leadership

 DEED is led by Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben.

She was appointed DEED Commissioner in October 2012. Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO). MTO promotes the creation and retention of jobs and economic prosperity of the State by assisting Minnesota companies to export manufactured goods and services and attract foreign direct investment. As executive director, Katie was responsible for managing the overall strategic direction of the MTO which includes promoting the State of Minnesota and its companies in the global marketplace, introducing Minnesota companies to foreign buyers and investors, building diplomatic relationships with international delegations and managing a staff of international trade representatives.  

Katie brings years of experience in business development and recruitment in the private sector, including with one of Minnesota’s largest corporations, Target Corporation. She has managed large-scale, multi-million dollar operations; built strategic partnerships at the highest levels of business and philanthropy; and created and implemented nationwide marketing campaigns. In addition to working for Target Corporation, Katie served as the director of community relations for a startup wind energy developer, National Wind, and as finance director for Mark Dayton for a Better Minnesota.  

She serves on the board of SIDO, the State International Development Organization. She also serves on the advisory boards for the University of Minnesota’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), the University of Minnesota Carlson School Global Institute, and the Minnesota Department of Education Global Competencies Advisory Board.

Katie graduated from the University of Minnesota and was a recipient of the 2012 MSP Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” Award.

Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben is assisted by Cynthia Bauerly, Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development; Robin Sternberg, Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development; and Teri Davids, Executive Assistant.

DEED's Leadership Team also includes:

Brian Allie, Acting Chief Information Officer
MN.IT@DEED
This office is the primary technology support and application development group for DEED’s business operations. 

Kim Babine, Director
Government 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.

Blake Chaffee, 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.

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.

Julie Freeman, Chief Financial Officer
Administrative and Financial Services
This office provides fiscal oversight, budget management, and audit integrity for the agency and its programs.

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.

Kevin McKinnon, 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.

Kathleen Motzenbecker, 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. 

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.