Our Team

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic and workforce development agency. Our mission is to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

DEED’s economic development programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; community development, and more.

Economic Development Leadership

Photograph of Matt Varilek

Matt Varilek

Commissioner

Photograph of Kevin McKinnon

Kevin McKinnon

Deputy Commissioner, Economic Development and Research

Photograph of Gabrielle Gerbaud

Gabrielle Gerbaud

Executive Director

Minnesota Trade Office

Photograph of Neela Mollgaard

Neela Mollgaard

Executive Director

Small Business Development

Photograph of Catalina Valencia

Catalina Valencia

Executive Director

Business Development

For a full picture of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team across both workforce and economic development programs & operations, see our DEED Website.