At DEED, we focus extensively on our legislative efforts year-round. I'm thrilled to share that DEED just brought on two talented leaders — Deven Bowdry and Matt Dobratz — to head up our legislative team and our work on budget strategy and planning.

Deven Bowdry, formerly a member of DEED's Government Relations team, returns from the judicial branch to serve as our Government Relations Director. Deven previously worked at DEED from 2017 to 2023 as a Program Coordinator in the Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity, as well as the Interim Director of the Office of Public Engagement and as Legislative Liaison. During his time advocating for DEED's legislative priorities, he also earned a law degree at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he served as editor-in-chief of the law review. He served as a Judicial Law Clerk in Saint Paul since last October.

Matt Dobratz joined DEED in the new position of Legislative Budget Director in the agency's Administrative and Fiscal Services (AFS) unit. He brings considerable expertise to DEED with tenures at Minnesota Management and Budget and the federal Government Accountability Office. Matt will manage and advise on budget strategy and oversee fiscal policy and planning. He will work closely with the Government Relations team in putting together DEED's biennial budget request for the 2025 legislative session. 

Please join me in thanking Deven and Matt for bringing their talents to DEED!