Walz thanks Harpstead for over five years of service to the State of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the resignation of Jodi Harpstead, Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS). Harpstead will depart her position effective February 3, 2025.

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to Commissioner Harpstead for answering the call of public service five and a half years ago,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of her work running the most complex and wide-ranging agency in state government. I am especially proud of how Commissioner Harpstead supported the enterprise-wide work to separate DHS into three separate agencies, which will make each of them more effective, more accountable, and easier to manage.”

“With intellect, compassion, and an innovative mindset, Commissioner Harpstead oversaw effective delivery of essential services to our children and families,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Commissioner Harpstead consistently led with a focus on the deeply human component of this work, touching lives in every corner of our state. She oversaw and bettered our state’s most critical services supporting Minnesotans most in need. I am immensely grateful for her dedication and leadership.”

Since her appointment in August 2019, Harpstead has overseen significant internal evolution and operational stability of the Department of Human Services. Key among her accomplishments was supporting the enterprise-wide work to separate the Department of Human Services into three distinct agencies, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families as of July 1, 2024, and Direct Care and Treatment which will become independent on July 1, 2025. Under her leadership, the State of Minnesota’s 2024 Medicaid renewals process achieved the goal of no disparities within the Black and overall American Indian communities for the first time, and an 80% auto-renewal rate, earning Minnesota the rank of 8th in the nation.

"I thank Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for the honor and privilege of serving the people of Minnesota over two terms in their Administration,” said Harpstead. “I have been so proud to be the Commissioner of the caring, competent, and high-capacity Department of Human Services. I’m pleased that we were able to balance new, stronger process controls with greater responsiveness to community partners, worked with the DHS grants and contracts team to imagine a re-design of the agency’s thousands of grants, and built an unparalleled team of strong senior leaders.”

About Jodi Harpstead
Governor Walz named Jodi Harpstead commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services in August 2019. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Harpstead was the president and CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) since September 2011. She also was the executive vice president and chief operating officer for LSS and spent 23 years in a variety of positions with Medtronic, Inc.

Commissioner Harpstead has volunteered in leadership capacities for a variety of other organizations including Augsburg University, Lutheran Services in America and ARRM – the statewide association of community-based service providers for people with disabilities. She received her Master of Business Administration in finance and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University.

About the Department of Human Services
Minnesota DHS’ mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – counties, Tribes, and nonprofits – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities. DHS’ largest financial responsibility is to provide health care coverage for low-income Minnesotans. They are also responsible for providing services for elders; people with disabilities and behavioral health needs; and those experiencing homelessness.