Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan today announced the appointment of Ida Rukavina as the next Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. 

"I am excited to announce that Ida Rukavina will serve as the next Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation,” said Governor Walz. “With extensive experience serving schools, townships, and cities on the Iron Range, she is dedicated to ensuring that local communities in northeastern Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive."

"Ida Rukavina has the leadership and advocacy experience to meaningfully serve the communities across the Iron Range,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “From good schools to reliable infrastructure and thriving businesses, she will work to ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”

“I am honored for this opportunity from Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to serve the people of the northland in this role as Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation,” said Ida Rukavina. “I am looking forward to working with people and communities of the Taconite Assistance Area to continue working towards a future which includes jobs that support families, a strong educational system, and thriving cities and towns.”

“Ida Rukavina is an excellent choice to serve the Northland at the State Capitol,” said Rick Cannata, Mayor of Hibbing. “She is well-positioned to work across business, nonprofit, and public sectors to grow the Iron Range economy. As Mayor, I’ve gotten to know Ida and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.” 

Ida Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. She is the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). Rukavina has primarily worked in government and the labor movement, representing public and private employees in northern Minnesota and working with government at the state, local, and federal levels. She earned her B.A. from Clark University and her M.A.P.L. from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.