Organizational updates to DHS
By Patti Cullen, CAE | March 3, 2023 | All members
Jodi Harpstead, the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced some organizational updates to DHS:
I am very pleased to announce that Natasha Merz will become the actual Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services, effective March 1. Natasha has been quite ably serving as the Interim Assistant Commissioner since August of 2022. Prior to her work to help us create the Aging and Disabilities Services Administration, Natasha was a Regional Resource Specialist, Manager and then Director in the Disabilities Services Division in the Community Services Administration of DHS. She also spent 10 years in the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, as Regional Ombudsman then as Deputy Ombudsman, giving her a strong background in both Aging and Disabilities Services.
Ms. Merz responded:
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services (ADSA). I am so proud of the work we do in ADSA every day to continuously improve Minnesota’s long-term care service and support system. ADSA staff tackle complex policy issues while prioritizing the needs of people and families that use services. I look forward to continuing supporting this vital work and want to thank the ADSA team for their contributions and dedication. I also want to thank Commissioner Harpstead for giving me the opportunity to serve in this leadership role.
Members had the opportunity to hear from Ms. Merz at our January leadership retreat when she presented on a state agency panel. The Association will reach out to offer our congratulations as well as an open door to work on critical issues.
Commissioner Harpstead is nearing the end of the search process for the new assistant commissioner for healthcare, as Cynthia MacDonald left the agency this week—in her position, she also served as the state’s Medicaid Director. Deputy Asst. Commissioner Julie Marquardt is serving as Acting Asst. Commissioner until a replacement is announced.
Finally, DHS recently welcomed Josh Syrjamaki to DHS from his time in the governor’s office handling the tracking of our state government’s COVID response. Josh has assumed the new role of executive project leader of our Medicaid re-certification project.
Patti Cullen, CAE | President/CEO |
pcullen@careproviders.org | 952-851-2487