Mark Phillips

Mark Phillips

Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development

Mark Phillips has more than 25 years of leadership in development and finance, including launching new and creative programs for community and economic development, real estate development and business financing. Phillips has led community and economic development organizations in government, private business and the nonprofit sector.

Prior to accepting the governor’s appointment to head the Department of Employment and Economic Development, he was director of business development for Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.

Phillips also was director of community and economic development at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) under Gov. Rudy Perpich, director of development for Duluth-based Minnesota Power, and vice president of Northeast Ventures Corp. in Duluth. The Economic Development Association of Minnesota presented him with its Career Achievement Award.

Phillips is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The commissioner is married to Patricia Phillips, who is superintendent of School District 622 in North St. Paul, Maplewood and Oakdale. They have two grown children.