I’m excited to share that we’ll welcome Emily Lefholz as DEED’s new Chief of Staff on May 8. In this key role, she’ll be a strong partner to me and our Senior Leadership Team – providing direction and vision as we focus on DEED’s strategic plan and goals. Emily’s track record as a problem solver, her experiences working across state government, and her understanding of the critical role of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility will help DEED advance its organizational goals. 

Emily previously served as Government Relations Director at the Minnesota Department of Corrections. She is a long-time public servant and brings over 20 years of experience across state and federal government, including roles in the Minnesota House and Senate, at Minnesota Management and Budget and as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.

As we approach her first day at DEED, Emily shared with me that she has a passion for advocating to problem solve for more responsive, equitable and smart government. We’re so fortunate that she’s putting that passion to work at DEED in service to Minnesota’s workers, businesses and communities. Welcome, Emily!