Incoming DFL Gov. Mark Dayton filled the prominent job of health commissioner by naming Dr. Edward Ehlinger to the post.

Dr. Edward Ehlinger brings years of public health experience and savvy to the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as strong relationships throughout the medical community. He currently serves as the Director and Chief Health Officer at Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota.

“Dr. Ehlinger’s long experience in public health and in leading a key Minnesota health facility position him well to lead the Minnesota Department of Health and to restore our state’s former preeminence in national health care initiatives,” said Governor-elect Dayton.

“This is a thrilling opportunity,” said Dr. Ehlinger. “I take nothing more seriously than the public health, and look forward to working with the Governor-elect in finding new and creative ways to better ensure that Minnesotans are healthy, happy and prosperous.”

Dr. Ehlinger has been Director and Chief Health Officer at Boynton Health Service since 1995. Previously, he served as Director of Personal Health Services for the Minneapolis Department of Health from 1980 to 1995. He is recipient of the Albert Justus Chesely Award from the Minnesota Public Health Association, the Advancement of Justice Award from the Hennepin County Bar Association, the first Ed Ehlinger Award (named in his honor) from CityMatCH (Urban Maternal and Child Health Directors), and the Physician Communicator Award from the Minnesota Medical Association.

Toby Pearson
952.851.2480
tpearson@careproviders.org