The Destination Medical Center initiative is the largest public-private partnership in Minnesota history, expected to generate 30,000 new jobs and more than $5 billion in private investment
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today appointed Paul D. Williams and Dana L. Bailey to serve on the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board. The Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative is the largest public-private partnership in Minnesota history. It is expected to generate 30,000 new jobs and more than $5 billion in private investment, while ensuring Rochester remains a global center for health. Williams will replace Senator Tina Smith on the Board for a term ending in 2020, and brings decades of experience in housing and local government to the DMCC. Bailey will replace Susan Rani on the Board for a term ending in 2023, and brings extensive experience in economic development and community and stakeholder engagement.
“I thank Paul Williams and Dana Bailey for their willingness to serve on the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board,” said Governor Dayton. “Mr. Williams has a proven record of success in the development of affordable housing and equitable communities, and Ms. Bailey has demonstrated an ability to bring diverse opinions together to drive economic development forward. Together, their expertise and unique perspectives will serve the Board well in its efforts to support the growth of ‘America’s City for Health’ in Rochester.”
The DMCC Board is responsible for providing public oversight of the DMC initiative throughout the planning and implementation phases. Already, the DMC initiative has surpassed $300 million in private investment, with 21 projects either proposed, under construction or completed, including the first phase of nearly two million square feet of innovative research space.
About Paul D. Williams
Paul D. Williams is the President and CEO of Project for Pride in Living. He previously served as the City of St. Paul’s Deputy Mayor, overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations from 2011 to 2014. Before joining the city, Williams spent 13 years leading the Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation and 6 years in a national leadership role with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. William served as vice president and senior manager of fund distribution for the United Way of the Saint Paul Area from 1989-1992, before starting as a program officer with the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Foundations.
“The Destination Medical Center initiative represents an exciting opportunity to expand economic development in the Rochester region and across the State of Minnesota,” said Williams. “I am excited to bring my experience to the work of the DMC, and to engage with and learn from the people of the Rochester region and Mayo Clinic.”
Williams has a bachelor’s degree in Government and Philosophy from St. John’s University and a master’s degree Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota. He has held leadership positions on various community boards, including: the African American Leadership Forum, the Family Housing Fund, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, the Saint Paul Community Development Agenda Task Force, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Governor Dayton also appointed Williams to serve on the Minnesota Ballpark Authority in 2011.
About Dana L. Bailey
Dana L. Bailey has nearly two decades of experience in community and stakeholder engagement and economic development. Bailey’s career has focused on bringing different voices and perspectives to the table to move major projects forward. As Chief of Staff to St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman for three years, Bailey was the driving force behind the effort to build a new professional soccer stadium on an underdeveloped site. Bailey also led the St. Paul Super Bowl Committee, which partnered with the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Super Bowl Host Committee to drive visitors, media, and Minnesotans to Minnesota’s capital city during the Super Bowl.
“As a member of the Destination Medical Center Board, I will work with members of the community, local government, and all stakeholders to ensure we realize the vision of Rochester as a global destination for health and wellness,” said Bailey. “The opportunity to serve as a member of the DMC Board is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously. I am thankful for the chance to work for the people of Rochester and our entire state.”
Bailey recently began a new role as Executive Director of Projects and Initiatives for Minnesota IT Services (MNIT). In this role, Bailey works to improve partnerships with state agencies and stakeholders, to deliver results for Minnesotans on time and on budget. Bailey previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Governor Mark Dayton, where she oversaw many of the Administration’s top priorities and managed complex projects across state agencies. Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Mass Communications from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
About the Destination Medical Center Initiative
The DMCC Board oversees the state’s largest-ever economic development project. The board is responsible for guiding the use of the public’s $585 million investment in the Greater Rochester area. State and local funding will be used to fund projects for public infrastructure, including the acquisition of property, demolition or repair of buildings, land remediation, and site improvement. State and local funds also will be used for the construction of buildings, parks, roads, transit facilities, parking facilities, and other cultural and recreational amenities that will enhance the region’s quality of life and encourage additional growth by making Rochester an even more desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
The public investment will leverage more than $5 billion in private investment over 20 years, creating tens of thousands of new jobs, and will help secure the state’s competitive position as an international hub for health care and advancements in Minnesota’s life science sector.
