ST PAUL, Minn. — Gov.-elect Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan searched outside the prison system for a new corrections chief and picked a well-known local law enforcement veteran.
On Thursday they named Inver Grove Heights Police Chief Paul Schnell as Minnesota's new Commissioner of Corrections.
"I recognize that the safety of our corrections officers is imperative," Schnell told reporters. "Those working in our prisons have to feel safe."
The department has rocked by a spike of violence this year, with two corrections officers losing their lives in the line of duty, including the first intentional prison guard slaying in state history.
Officer Joseph Gomm was murdered by an inmate at Stillwater Prison in July, and two months later Officer Joe Parise died of an acute coronary episode at Oak Park Heights prison after coming to the defense of a fellow guard who was being attacked.
"The first thing I’m going to do, starting today, is reaching out to folks in union leadership, talking with the wardens and learning what the issues are," Schnell said.
He's a familiar face as the longtime public information officer at the St. Paul Police Dept. He went on to serve as police chief in Hastings, then Maplewood and eventually Inver Grove Heights. He's also worked on many statewide public safety issues through the Minn. Police Chief's Association.
Schnell will replace Commissioner Tom Roy, who is retiring after 43 years working in the prison system, including the past eight years in the top post.
Education link
Walz introduced the new commissioners of education and higher education at the same event, at Farnsworth Aerospace, a magnet school on St. Paul's East Side. It was by design, to highlight how schools can help youth steer clear of crime.
Mary Cathryn Ricker, who once taught English in the same building when it was Cleveland Middle School, will head the Dept. of Education. Ricker is currently the executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, and previously led the St. Paul chapter of that union.
Ricker pointed out that Minnesota's public education system is still marked by achievement gaps along racial and income lines.
"We will value the experiences of everyone and work together to assure that one Minnesota means a future of possibilities for all of our students," Ricker said.
She'll replace Brenda Casselius, who has served as education commissioner the past eight years.
Dennis Olson Jr. will head the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
"I'm most excited about the opportunity to work to better align educational and career pathways, and provide new opportunities for all students to realize their full potential."
Olson, a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, currently leads the Minnesota Indian Affairs Counsel. He'll replace Larry Pogemiller at the OHE.
Rebuilding lives
"Paul has been committed to young people, has been a bridge builder between communities of color and law enforcement," Lt. Gov. Flanagan remarked.
"And this is critical given the current racial disparities with our current prison population in Minnesota,"
Although he may be an outsider to the Dept. of Corrections, Schnell noted that he spent the first 10 years of his career working with released offenders. He says he remains committed to restorative justice.
"Given the reality 95 percent of offenders will return to communities across Minnesota, we must prioritize opportunities for helping people change while they’re in our institutions."
Nearly 500 people applied for 23 positions in the Walz-Flanagan cabinet.