Minnesota State Wire

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan congratulated departing Commissioner Jim Schowalter and thanked him for his years of service at the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB). Governor Walz has selected MMB Deputy Commissioner Erin Campbell to serve as the next Commissioner of Management and Budget.

“I’m deeply grateful for Commissioner Schowalter’s steady leadership and tireless service to the state of Minnesota," said Governor Walz. “Under his direction, the team at MMB has stabilized the state budget, allowing us to invest the state’s historic budget surplus on the things that matter most to Minnesotans: our children and families, a strong economic future, health and safety, and a state government that works for all Minnesotans.”

“We will truly miss Commissioner Schowalter’s invaluable guidance, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Commissioner Schowalter has helped us make so much progress towards a future that delivers reliable and effective services for Minnesota’s kids, families, businesses, and communities.”

“I couldn’t imagine a more important role or time to serve the state than these past three years. I’m grateful to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for giving me another opportunity to lead this incredible team as we moved from fiscal crisis to a record surplus. After wrapping up this year’s historic budget, it’s a great time for me to start a new chapter,” said MMB Commissioner Jim Schowalter. “I’ve served as MMB commissioner longer than anyone else and know that I’m leaving the agency to a great team of purpose-driven leaders.”

About Jim Schowalter

Jim Schowalter was appointed by Governor Tim Walz as commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget in September of 2020, returning to a role in which he’d served for Governor Mark Dayton. Across the two appointments, Schowalter has been the longest serving MMB Commissioner, leading a talented team to respond to record deficits, historic surpluses, and unprecedented health emergencies. Under Commissioner Schowalter’s leadership, the state regained a AAA rating.

“In Erin Campbell’s nearly twenty years with the State of Minnesota, she has demonstrated outstanding service and exceptional leadership in every challenge laid in front of her,” said Governor Walz. “Campbell is a talented, dedicated, and tireless public servant; there is no better person to lead MMB while we work to deliver for Minnesotans and position the state for a strong economic future.”

“Erin Campbell is a strategic, thoughtful, and highly qualified leader with a wealth of experience in state government, policy, human resources, and the state budget,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I can’t think of a better person to lead this agency, and I am excited to watch her excel in the role as she strives to build a state government that works for everyone.”

“I am honored and humbled to be stepping into the role of Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget,” said Erin Campbell. “There is critical work ahead to retain and hire the workforce of the future, to ensure the state remains on strong fiscal footing, and to support our colleagues in state agencies as they implement recently enacted legislation - I am excited to get started. I look forward to working in collaboration with the Governor and Lt. Governor and with our partners in the legislature to ensure that state agencies are well positioned to deliver excellent service to Minnesotans.”

About Erin Campbell

Erin Campbell was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Enterprise Employee Resources in July 2022. In this role, Erin led with a transformational approach to supporting an increasingly diverse workforce, working to improve employees’ experience and retention through increased engagement, equity, and inclusion. This appointment follows Campbell’s nearly twenty-year tenure with the State of Minnesota.

Prior to joining MMB, Erin served in several positions around state government including as the Assistant Commissioner for Facilities and Enterprise Services at the Department of Administration. In this role, Campbell oversaw the restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol, planned and executed the Capitol Grand Opening, and drove the advancement of sustainability in state government operations through the creation of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability. In May 2020, she stepped in to lead the Minnesota Department of Health’s Long Term Care Battle Plan, working to keep COVID-19 out of long-term care facilities. Prior to joining the Department of Administration, Campbell served as the deputy chief of staff for policy and legislative affairs for Governor Mark Dayton. She also spent six years working for the Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller. Campbell graduated from Concordia College in 2004 with majors in social work and Spanish and minors in political science and psychology.

"Erin Campbell is one of the smartest and hardest working people I know,” said former Governor Mark Dayton. “She is deeply committed to providing excellent service to the people of Minnesota. She will be a superb Commissioner of MMB.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Erin in several different roles at the State and have seen firsthand her skills at work,” said former Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom. “Erin’s policy acumen and her ability to think and execute both strategically and tactically will serve MMB and the Administration very well. Her collaborative leadership style will help build on the critical partnership between MMB and other agencies.”

“As the Executive Director of the largest union bargaining unit in the State of Minnesota, representing more than 20,000 state employees, we believe that Erin will be a wonderful choice to build upon the progress we have made together,” said AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl. “I have known Erin for many years and in this role, she will bring her unique skills and expertise in state budgeting, legislative affairs, and stakeholder engagement not only within the enterprise, but also with external stakeholders. Erin Campbell is the best person to help lead MMB under the values and mission of the Walz-Flanagan Administration.”

About MMB

Minnesota Management and Budget is responsible for managing state finances, payroll, and human resources. It also provides systems for daily business operations and information access and analysis. As a central service agency, MMB serves the governor, the legislature, more than 100 state government entities, 56,000 state employees, and the public.

Schowalter’s last day as commissioner will be August 14, 2023. Campbell will start as commissioner on August 15.

Original source can be found here.