Lourey Resigns as DHS Commissioner; Pam Wheelock Named Acting Commissioner

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Tony Lourey resigned on Monday. Pam Wheelock, an experienced administrator with a career spanning the public, private and nonprofit sectors, will serve as acting commissioner.  

In his letter of resignation to Governor Tim Walz, Lourey said he believed a new leader is necessary to best execute the Governor’s vision for human services and continue the critical work of improving the health of Minnesotans across the state.

“We appreciated the opportunity to work with Commissioner Lourey during his tenure and the leadership he has shown through his years as a State Senator on human service policy issues,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “We wish him all the best and look forward to working with Interim Commissioner Wheelock during this transition.”

Wheelock served in the Ventura Administration as Commissioner of Finance. She also served as Deputy Mayor and Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Saint Paul. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Twin Cities Habitat and her previous positions include Vice President of University Services at the University of Minnesota, Interim President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Vice President at the Bush Foundation, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Minnesota Sports and Entertainment.