Tchourumoff brings extensive infrastructure planning, policy, and finance expertise to key Cabinet role
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced that he has appointed Alene Tchourumoff to serve as Chair of the Metropolitan Council. Tchourumoff currently serves as Minnesota’s State Rail Director, and brings a decade of experience in infrastructure planning, transportation policy, and finance to her new role.
“Alene Tchourumoff is exceptionally well-qualified for this important position,” said Governor Dayton. “Alene’s years of experience in planning, rail transportation, and finance will be invaluable as Chair of the Metropolitan Council. Her ability to forge consensus and find solutions will help Minnesota communities build the infrastructure necessary to support a growing population and further economic growth.”
“As the Twin Cities region continues to grow, there is more demand than ever to improve our transportation systems and our infrastructure,” said Chair Tchourumoff. “That translates to expanding economic opportunities and a better quality of life for all of our region’s residents. Our success is dependent on strong partnerships with local communities, counties, and businesses – and I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders across the state to advance these shared goals. I am grateful to Governor Dayton for this exciting opportunity to further serve the people of Minnesota.”
Outgoing Chair Adam Duininck will step down from his current position effective July 31, 2017 to pursue a new professional opportunity.
“I thank Adam Duininck for his dedicated service as Chair of the Metropolitan Council,” said Governor Dayton. “Under his outstanding leadership, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area has continued to make significant progress toward a comprehensive transit system, which will play an essential role in the future success of our state. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Under Chair Duininck’s leadership, the Met Council made great progress in moving the region forward, and has:
· Successfully designed, constructed, and opened the region’s first rapid bus transit line, the A Line, in June 2016. In the first year, ridership on the corridor is up 35 percent from the previous year and serves as a model for other corridors.
· Continued progress towards final design for both the Green Line and Blue Line light rail projects.
· Was named the North America Large Transit System of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association in 2016.
· Developed and implemented the Community Choice Program, a new initiative to help families with rental assistance vouchers to choose and secure housing in areas of the region with above average performing schools and low poverty, to provide greater choice and opportunity for families to thrive.
· Created the Park Ambassador Program to expand the awareness and use of the Regional Parks System by all residents, especially those who experience barriers to park use due to cost, transportation, lack of information, and accessibility.
About Chair Alene Tchourumoff
Alene Tchourumoff has spent the last decade serving at the intersection of infrastructure finance and policy. Ms. Tchourumoff was appointed as Minnesota’s first State Rail Director by Governor Mark Dayton in 2016. In this capacity, Tchourumoff has led the Dayton-Smith Administration’s efforts to enhance railway safety, pursue needed infrastructure improvements, continue training and support for first responders, closely monitor rail movements, and work with communities and railroad companies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of rail systems across Minnesota.
Previously, Ms. Tchourumoff served as Director of the Planning Department for Hennepin County Public Works, where she led the county’s comprehensive planning efforts. Prior to her work with Hennepin County, Tchourumoff was a manager for Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C., where she served as a financial and strategic policy advisor to the Federal Railroad Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, focused on program implementation and financing. She also previously served as manager in the transportation and finance practice for Infrastructure Management Group, advising clients in California, Texas, and Puerto Rico on transportation policy and finance issues.
In addition to her decade of professional experience in infrastructure policy, planning, and finance, Ms. Tchourumoff has served as an Agricultural Development advisor to the World Bank, and has worked extensively in China and Southeast Asia on public policy and public health efforts – including efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in China and Vietnam.
Tchourumoff earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University School of Business, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
What Experts Are Saying About Chair Tchourumoff
Below, see what Minnesotans and other experts are saying about new Metropolitan Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff.
“Alene is a subject expert and a tenacious leader. Met Council is fortunate to have her at the helm and I look forward to continuing work with her in this new important role.”
– Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle
“I have had the opportunity to work with Chair Tchourumoff on rail safety issues and have learned a great deal from her. This opportunity will showcase Alene's many talents and intellect as she works to bring stakeholders together towards the common goal of building a prosperous Twin Cities metro region. I am thrilled for her and look forward to working with her in her new role.”
– Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman
“Alene’s strong background and expertise in transportation and infrastructure planning on both the local and state level position her well for success at the Metropolitan Council. She will meet the challenges of the Twin Cities region with an emphasis on strategic partnerships, a strong commitment to open communication and a focus on practical problem-solving. I look forward to her leadership.”
– Hennepin County Commissioner and Board Chair Jan Callison
“As head of the Governor's Rail Council, Alene Tchourumoff did a remarkable job of guiding a large group of council members all of whom had disparate interests and priorities. She brought together railroad management and labor as well as federal, state, city and county emergency management and elected officials. Her command of the issues and strong positive leadership were critical in bridging differences and creating an enthusiastic team effort.”
– Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox
“Alene is a great choice for the Met Council. She has strong technical knowledge, good people skills and a can-do attitude. She will be a fantastic leader for the region.”
– Roy Kienitz, Former Under Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation
“Alene’s unique blend of national expertise and local understanding will be a great addition to the Met Council. She can deliver innovation that works, which matches the Met Council’s mission of planning and operating transportation facilities.”
– Allan Rutter, Freight Mobility Division Head at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and former Federal Railroad Administrator
About the Metropolitan Council
The Metropolitan Council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services for the Twin Cities metropolitan region. The Council's mission is to foster efficient and economic growth for a prosperous metropolitan region. The Council’s 17-member policy board has guided and coordinated the strategic growth of the metro area and achieved regional goals for 50 years.
The Chair of the Metropolitan Council must lead the Council in its important mission to create a financially sustainable 21st Century transportation system, promote housing opportunities across the region, and invest in infrastructure that supports economic development.
