~ Will be joining the SFM Companies ~

Governor Pawlenty announced today that Commissioner Scott Brener of the Department of Labor and Industry is leaving his administration to return to the private sector effective July 5, 2007.

“Scott has done an outstanding job ensuring that Minnesota’s work and living environments are safe and productive,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He has been a great public servant for Minnesota and we wish him well.”

Brener will be joining the SFM Companies, a Minnesota-based insurance group. Brener will serve as the company’s Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

Before joining the Pawlenty Administration in May 2003, Brener was a government and regulatory affairs consultant. Brener previously served in a variety of roles in state government: as Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Trade and Economic Development; Deputy Director of Cabinet Affairs for Governor Arne Carlson; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Technology; and Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel for the Department of Labor and Industry.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry performs a variety of functions: overseeing the workers' compensation system for the state; preventing workplace accidents and illness through OSHA consultation and compliance efforts; certifying and monitoring the state registered apprenticeship program; monitoring compliance with labor laws; regulating the state’s construction codes and licensing activities; and inspecting boats-for-hire. The department employs approximately 500 workers throughout the state. Brener has also been nationally active serving in leadership positions on several organizations including a role as president of the National Association of Government Labor Officials.