St. Paul, MN - Governor Mark Dayton announced today the appointment of Ted Mondale to lead the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC). As a former state legislator, former Chair of the Metropolitan Council, and businessman, Mondale is well suited to forge the public-private partnerships necessary to manage one of Minnesota's most prominent public assets. The MSFC manages the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which serves not only as the current home of the Minnesota Vikings but also as the host of many collegiate and youth sporting events and family activities.

Ted Mondale is uniquely qualified to lead this important organization at this critical time, said Governor Dayton. His exceptional dedication to public service, his business experience, and his established relationships with key decision-makers will enable him to represent the best interests of the people of Minnesota in attempting to negotiate a new 'People's Stadium.'

I am honored that Governor Dayton would select me to lead the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, said Mondale. The Metrodome is an important asset to all of Minnesota. I look forward to working with Governor Dayton to ensure that Minnesota continues to have a people's stadium that benefits the entire state.

The MSFC was established by legislative charter in 1977 and was responsible for the construction of the Metrodome. Its mission is to bring urban and suburban and statewide, business, labor and the general public together to find common ground and work on issues related to stadium infrastructure in Minnesota. The MSFC consists of seven members: six appointed by the Minneapolis City Council, and a Chair appointed by the Governor. The Chair must reside outside of Minneapolis.

Mondale, of St. Louis Park, served as Chair of the Metropolitan Council from 1999 through 2002, where he led the successful Hiawatha LRT line through the State and Federal regulatory and funding hurdles. From 1990 to 1996 he served State Senator, representing St. Louis Park and Hopkins, where he successfully passed major legislation including the Land Recycling Act, the Livable Communities Act and the International Airport Location Bill. In 2003, Mondale founded Nazca Solutions, a software company that automates Property Searches for the Mortgage Industry where until recently he served as CEO. Mondale successfully negotiated the sale of Nazca to First American Financial Corp in November of 2010. He received his B.A. at the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law.