Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Commissioner Kevin Goodno of the Department of Human Services is leaving his administration effective July 25, 2006 to take a position with a Minneapolis law firm.

“Kevin has been an outstanding leader in reforming Minnesota’s mental health system, changing how the state purchases health care and in improving the lives of vulnerable children,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He has been a fantastic public servant for Minnesota. We will miss him, but wish him well.”

Before joining the Pawlenty Administration in January 2003, Goodno served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for 12 years representing the Moorhead area. He also practiced law in Moorhead and is a former Moorhead retail business owner.