As the days of the Gov. Tim Pawlenty administration wane and some of his appointed commissioners head for the exits, reliable Steve Sviggum is staying on board and taking on a new role.
He’ll be the commissioner of Management and Budget, starting Dec. 2, replacing the departing Tom Hanson, who’s leaving to lobby and consult.
Sviggum is currently commissioner of Labor and Industry, a post he’s held since 2007. He’s also a longtime legislator who served as speaker of the House and House minority leader.
The governor said in a statement: “Steve has a wealth of government experience that will provide steady leadership at MMB as we conclude our work and prepare to transition to a new administration.”
It’s not clear whether Pawlenty will appoint a new Labor and Industry commissioner to replace Sviggum, since the new governor will appoint his own set of commissioners in early January, unless a recount challenge lengthens Pawlenty’s term.
