Governor Dayton Appoints Jan Malcolm as New MDH Commissioner

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Governor Mark Dayton has appointed former Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to lead the state Health Department. Malcolm, a veteran health care executive with a national reputation in health policy, led the department under Governor Jesse Ventura from 1999 to 2003. 

“Jan Malcolm brings exceptional experience in public and non-profit health management to the Minnesota Department of Health,” said Governor Dayton. “Her expertise will be invaluable as the Department works to protect and improve the health of all Minnesotans, especially our seniors. I thank her for her willingness to undertake this vitally important challenge.” 

Malcolm’s appointment is effective Jan. 30. Malcolm will succeed Acting Commissioner Dan Pollock, who has served in the role since Dec. 19. 

Malcolm emphasized that addressing allegations of elder abuse will be among her top priorities as she assumes leadership of the Health Department. 

“The Department of Health plays a critical role in protecting the health and well-being of all Minnesotans, especially its most vulnerable citizens,” said Commissioner Malcolm. “I will work closely with Human Services Commissioner Piper to strengthen the Office of Health Facility Complaints. We are doing everything possible to eliminate the backlog of nearly 1,000 open investigations of reported elder abuse reports by the end of this year, and are already making important progress. This is critical to begin the hard work of restoring Minnesotans’ trust in the safety of their loved ones.” 

About Commissioner Jan Malcolm

Malcolm is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where she co-directs a national research and leadership development program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Previously, Malcolm helped develop initiatives to strengthen the nation’s public health system as a senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Malcolm served as CEO of the Courage Center and as President of the Courage Kenny Foundation following the merger of Courage Center and the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She has also worked as Vice President of Public Affairs and Philanthropy at Allina Health. From 1999 to 2003, Malcolm served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. Throughout her career, Malcolm has been active in state and national health care and public health associations, and has served on numerous government commissions on health care access and quality.