Minnesota Agencies

The Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation is a State of Minnesota development agency located in Eveleth, Minnesota. Their mission is to promote and invest in business, community, and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provides funding, including low or no interest loans, grants and loan guarantees for businesses relocating or expanding in the region. Additionally, a variety of grants are available to local units of government, education institutions, and nonprofits that promote workforce development and sustainable communities.

The Office of the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation was created by the legislature in 1941. Two years later, the legislature created the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commission (which was eventually renamed the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) in 1975). The Office of the Commissioner worked with the IRRRB to carry out its statutory mandates.

Following a 2016 review of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board by the Office of the Legislative Auditor, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation State Agency was officially renamed the "Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation" by the legislature in 2017. This same legislation clarified that the board's role is advisory. The commissioner of the Department is required to consult with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board before spending money or taking action on projects.

The Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation is appointed by the Governor.

Miller, Herbert J., July 1, 1941 - June 30, 1942
Wilson, Robert E., July 1, 1942 - May 1, 1949
Constantine, Ben P., May 1, 1949 - November 20, 1950
Bayuk, Edward G., November 21, 1950 - April 30, 1955
Otava, Kaarlo J., May 1, 1955 - January 4, 1961
Sorenson, Hyrom S., January 5, 1961 - February 2, 1961
DeYoannes, Armando M., February 3, 1961 - May 1, 1971
Scuffy, Robert J.    May 2, 1971 - January 10, 1975
Ongaro, Frank, January 1975 - December 31, 1978
McGauley, Patrick J., January 1, 1979 - December 31, 1982
Lamppa, Gary, January 1, 1983 - February 27, 1987
DeLuca, Jack, February 28, 1987 - January 7, 1991
Love, Greg, January 8, 1991 - January 31, 1991
Dalke, Wayne L., February 1, 1991 - June 1, 1992
Gustafson, Jim , June 1, 1992 - March 5, 1999
Swift, John, March 8, 1999 - January 3, 2003
Hiti, Brian, January 3, 2003 - ?    
Layman, Sandy, April 17, 2003 - January 3, 2011 (?)
Sertich, Tony, January 11, 2011 - November 6, 2014
Phillips, Mark, January 7, 2015 - January 2023
Rukavina, Ida, January 2023 -