MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 3, 2011
Governor Mark Dayton has selected Susan Haigh, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, to be the new Chair of the Board of the Metropolitan Council. The Met Council oversees regional planning for the seven-county metro area and guides local public infrastructure investment such as roads, transit, sewers, parks, and affordable housing.
The Metropolitan Council Chair position is a part-time public service position. A full-time Regional Administrator manages the Council on a day to day basis. Haigh will continue her full-time work as the President/CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity while serving as Chair of the Board of the Council.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and I’m honored,” Haigh said. "In my role as Council Chair I will be able to share our belief at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity that housing is a basic human right and that communities will be healthier and our region stronger when communities make a range of housing choices available for people of all incomes. This job compliments my work towards Habitat’s mission of eliminating poverty housing in the Twin Cities.”
“She is a proven leader and consensus-builder,” Governor Dayton said. “She will be closely involved with me in the selection of a Council, which will represent the diversity of our region and honor its tradition of enlightened non-partisan leadership.”
Haigh and Governor Dayton must form an Advisory Committee to help select candidates for the 16 Met Council board members. Haigh’s appointment as Chair of the council must also be confirmed by the state Senate. Haigh has resigned from her board positions with other business and community organizations to make room in her schedule.
Haigh began her career as an attorney for the Met Council. She also served ten years as a Ramsey County Commissioner. Haigh has led Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity as its CEO and President since February 2005. She has a BA in Political Science from Macalester College and a JD from William Mitchell College of Law. She was born and raised in Owatonna and is married to the Honorable Gregg E. Johnson. They reside in St. Paul and have four daughters.
matt haugen : 9:02 AM on October 1, 2012