Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Steven G. Hoffmeyer today to head the state’s Bureau of Mediation Services. Hoffmeyer currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau, a post he has held since 2003. The previous Commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services, James A. Cunningham, Jr., was appointed by Governor Pawlenty to the Tenth Judicial District trial court bench in Anoka County.

The Mediations Services Bureau has 13 full-time employees. The Bureau aims to promote stable and constructive labor-management relations and the use of alternative dispute resolution methods. The Bureau assists parties in resolving collective bargaining disputes; resolves questions of labor union representation and bargaining unit structure; supports, train, and facilitates joint labor management committees; provides technical training; develops and maintains a roster of labor arbitrators; and promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution and mediation programs by state agencies for non-labor disputes.

“Steven is an experienced mediator, and possesses a strong background in labor relations,” said Governor Pawlenty.

Hoffmeyer is a lifelong resident of Minnesota raised in South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. He graduated from Augsburg College and Hamline University School of Law. He became a licensed attorney in 1982, and has been actively engaged in human resources and labor relations work since 1985. Hoffmeyer initially practiced with a private law firm, then served as a Minnesota Human Rights enforcement officer and mediator for six years beginning in 1985. In 1991, Hoffmeyer began serving as Senior Human Resources Representative, EEO Specialist and Supervisor for Hennepin County. He later became Labor Relations Advocate for the county in 1995, responsible for contract administration, bargaining and grievance activity.

Hoffmeyer has been with the Bureau of Mediation Services since 2002, starting out as a mediator and hearing officer. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Commissioner in October 2003 by Commissioner Cunningham. As Deputy Commissioner, Hoffmeyer currently supervises the

Bureau’s mediators, hearing officers, and support staff, and is actively involved in all current decision making processes.

“I am honored to serve in Governor Pawlenty’s cabinet and look forward to facilitating positive labor relations in state government,” said Hoffmeyer. “In these challenging times, the Governor’s steady hand and proactive approach to the difficulties facing Minnesota is reassuring.”

In his time away from the Bureau, Hoffmeyer teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in employment law with the University of Phoenix campuses in St. Louis Park and Woodbury. Hoffmeyer resides in White Bear Lake and has a 23-year-old daughter, Sara, who works for Target Corporation.