Contacts: Liz Gelbmann, 651-757-2385
Saint Paul, Minn. — Three veteran executives will join the leadership team at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as the new deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner for enforcement and legal policy, and chief financial officer, Commissioner Paul Aasen announced today.
“In today’s difficult budget climate, we need experienced leadership to help us focus on reforming our operations and providing the service and protection Minnesotans expect,” Aasen said. “These three individuals bring decades of public, private and nonprofit managerial experience to the mix.”
John Linc Stine will serve as deputy commissioner, replacing Tim Scherkenbach who is scheduled to retire later this year. Stine will serve as overall agency manager, as well as lead MPCA reform efforts including permit streamlining, chemical regulatory reform and assisting with water policy and governance. Stine is currently an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health and has also directed the Health Department’s environmental health division and served in managerial positions for two Department of Natural Resources divisions.
Michelle Beeman will serve as a new assistant commissioner for enforcement and legal policy. Beeman is currently Director of Environment and Natural Resources at Dakota County. She has also served in various capacities at The Nature Conservancy, as legislative director for the Department of Natural Resources, as an attorney for the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General and as an MPCA Board member from 2004 to 2008. Beeman’s new position will provide a strategic focus on enforcement and legal issues for the agency.
Bruce Biser joins the MPCA as its new chief financial officer. Biser currently owns B-Squared Solutions, a financial, leadership and operations consulting firm and previously served as the MPCA’s CFO from 1998 to 2000. He also worked as a financial and operations executive for Planned Parenthood, the Minnesota Supreme Court, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Air Force. He will head the agency’s efforts to conduct process improvements and streamline its business service operations.
Biser will begin work at the MPCA on March 7, Stine on March 16, and Beeman on March 28.
Rebecca Flood and David Thornton will remain in their current positions as assistant commissioners for water and air, respectively. Tim Scherkenbach will stay on as a special assistant to the Commissioner. Myrna Halbach will serve as assistant CFO.
