Holsten named DNR Commissioner, Gaither out as Pawlenty’s Chief of Staff

Here's the release:

HOLSTEN NAMED DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONER

~ Governor also makes Ludeman permanent commissioner at DHS and Moore permanent commissioner at PCA, accepts resignation of Chief of Staff Gaither ~

St. Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced a number of personnel moves within his administration.

Governor Pawlenty appointed Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deputy Commissioner Mark Holsten as DNR Commissioner. Holsten has served as Deputy Commissioner of DNR since January 2003.

Additionally, the Governor permanently appointed acting commissioner of the Department of Human Services Cal Ludeman as DHS Commissioner and acting commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency Brad Moore as PCA Commissioner.

The Governor also announced the resignation of Chief of Staff David Gaither, who is leaving the Governor’s Office to explore other opportunities. “It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Minnesota in both the Senate and as Chief of Staff,” Gaither said.

“During this transition period it’s natural to have changes in our team,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Mark Holsten has the experience, talent and know-how to build on the great work that’s been accomplished over the last four years at DNR and to bring additional reform and accountability to the management of our great outdoors. Cal Ludeman and Brad Moore have been exceptional leaders at two very important agencies and will make great commissioners. And we thank David Gaither for his great service to Minnesota and for the many accomplishments he achieved as a State Senator and Chief of Staff.”

Prior to serving as the Deputy Commissioner of DNR, Holsten served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for ten years, including as Chair of the House Environmental & Natural Resources Finance Committee. As Deputy Commissioner, Holsten oversaw all legislative and budgetary functions for the agency and had general administrative oversight of operations. He was also responsible for the Division of Fish and Wildlife and regional offices in Northwestern, Northeastern, Central and Southern Minnesota.

Holsten, 41, was a key leader in the Pawlenty Administration on a number of outdoor and conservation initiatives including improved management of ATV trails to protect the environment, while preserving Minnesotans’ ability to enjoy the outdoors; forest certification of more than 4 million acres of state lands; and enhanced management of 1,380 public wildlife areas with 1.2 million acres of habitat, from prairies and wetlands to forests and swamps, for Minnesota's game and non-game wildlife species.

Holsten received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and history from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a teaching license from the University of St. Thomas. He lives in Stillwater with his wife, Lisa, and two children.

Cal Ludeman was named by Governor Pawlenty as the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Ludeman has served as acting commissioner of the agency since July 2006. Previously, Ludeman served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER).

DHS is the state’s largest department with a biennial budget of $17.8 billion and about 7,000 employees. The department serves more than 1 million Minnesotans each year by providing or administering a broad range of services, including health care, economic assistance, child welfare services, and services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Ludeman, 55, served in the Minnesota Legislature from 1979 to 1985. Currently, he is an owner/operator, along with his brothers and son, of the SanMarbo Farm Corporation. He lives in Tracy with his wife, Deb.

The Governor also named Brad Moore as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA). Moore became acting commissioner of PCA in August 2006. Moore previously served as Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, where he oversaw seven divisions including Enforcement, Ecological Services, Waters, and Lands and Minerals.

At DNR, Moore worked on the commissioner’s management team to establish strategic direction, develop policy, and manage the department’s $300 million annual budget. He also helped develop and implement recommendations to improve the competitiveness of Minnesota’s primary forest products industry.

Moore worked for the DNR from 1988 until August. Before being named an Assistant Commissioner in 1999, he was a Senior Management Analyst and Field Operations Manager. Moore also served as a Public Utilities Rate Analyst at the Minnesota Department of Public Service, which is now the Department of Commerce.

PCA has a biennial budget of $303 million and employs about 800 people. The agency works with Minnesotans to protect, improve and conserve the state’s air, land, and water resources.

Moore, 45, received his bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Olaf College and his master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute. He resides in Mahtomedi with his wife, Susan, and two children. He enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing and gardening.

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