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Jan. 7, 2019
 New DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen addressed DNR employees Monday at Central Office in St. Paul.
Meet the new commissioner: Sarah Strommen
Sarah Strommen, a DNR assistant commissioner and veteran natural resources professional known for integrating biological science with public engagement and policymaking, became the agency’s new commissioner today.
For the past four years she has been assistant commissioner under Tom Landwehr, overseeing the divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Trails.
With Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement last Thursday, Strommen, 46, becomes the first woman appointed to lead the DNR in the agency’s 88 year history. She takes over for Landwehr, who served for two terms.
“Sarah Strommen built her career integrating science and policymaking across sectors, and has a deep understanding and appreciation for our natural resources,” Walz said. “She embraces our vision for One Minnesota and will work to build consensus among citizens and stakeholders alike.”
Strommen brings more than 20 years of experience engaging the public in natural resource conservation. She served as policy director for Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and as associate director of the Minnesota Land Trust.
 She joined the state of Minnesota in 2012 as an assistant director at the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) before becoming acting deputy director. After serving several terms on the Ramsey city council, she was elected mayor in 2012, a position she stepped down from in May 2018.
“My experience in working for DNR, for nonprofits, and for local government has demonstrated to me the importance of diverse views and robust discussion in achieving the best possible outcomes,” Strommen said.
Outdoor recreation is an important part of how she spends time with her family. They hike together, fish together, snowmobile and hunt together. She looks forward to building on Minnesota’s world-class outdoor system and ensuring all Minnesotans have the same opportunity as her family to enjoy the state’s outdoor experiences.
“Minnesota has a strong outdoor legacy, and I am excited to work collaboratively with staff, stakeholders, and everyday Minnesotans to enhance our diverse and first-rate outdoor experiences for all,” she said.
Strommen spent the first days of her appointment reaching out to key stakeholders and talking with media. She said she will spend the next few weeks meeting with staff and DNR leadership to talk about priorities, including the upcoming legislative session. During that time, she will be considering candidates for the deputy commissioner position to replace the retiring Dave Schad. She said she does not have a specific deadline for filling that position or considering other leadership positions.
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 Strommen said traveling to outstate Minnesota and meeting with staff and stakeholders is a priority for her. She plans to visit regional offices this winter and spring, while also meeting with key stakeholders.
Strommen holds a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College, where she majored in biology and Latin American studies. After graduating from college, she used a Fulbright research scholarship to do field work in Costa Rica, and subsequently earned her master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University.
Strommen grew up in St. Paul and now lives in Plymouth with her husband, son, and two dogs.
At right, she is pictured with a large walleye she caught during the fishing opener last year near Spicer.
Strommen appeared on the public affairs show Almanac on Friday and was profiled in the Star Tribune on Sunday. She was also interviewed by Outdoor News. This Friday, the DNR hosts its annual Roundtable where Strommen will get her introduction as the new commissioner to 400 stakeholders and DNR staff.
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 New DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen with outgoing commissioner Tom Landwehr during a staff meeting in Central Office on Monday where Landwehr “passed the torch” to Strommen.
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