Governor-elect Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor-elect Peggy Flanagan have named Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin to their 29-member transition advisory board.
On November 8, Walz named Flanagan as the Chair of the One Minnesota Transition Advisory Board, saying it was an easy decision.
“The diverse voices of Minnesotans are one of our greatest resources, and no one knows that better than Peggy,” Walz said. “She will lead the Advisory Board with the same commitment to dialogue and inclusion that she brings to everything she does.”
Walz said the Advisory Board will consist of voices from across the state who will provide counsel and advice over the next eight weeks until he is sworn in as Minnesota’s 41st Governor on January 7, 2019.
“The solutions to Minnesota’s challenges will come from Minnesota’s citizens,” Walz said. “The One Minnesota Transition Advisory Board will help me find great candidates to fill important jobs in my Administration, help me shape our state’s budget for the next year, and bring the benefit of their diverse experience to bear on meeting the challenges our state faces.”
“Our team worked intentionally to bring together a diverse group of people to share their expertise as we lay the ground- work for our administration,” Flanagan said in a statement announcing the new “One Minnesota Advisory Board.” Together, wewillcastawidenetacrossthestatetoensurewetrulyrun state government as One Minnesota.”
The board includes representatives from education, industry, the nonprofit sector, political leadership, and several of the state's minority groups.
The Dakota are represented by President Shelley Buck of the Prairie Island Indian Community.
Melanie said she was honored to be included on the advisory board.