Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Commissioner Dianne Mandernach of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is resigning her position effective October 2, 2007. Her last day at MDH will be September 20, 2007.

“I sincerely appreciate Dianne’s willingness to set aside her private career for a time to serve Minnesota,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Her work in areas such as strengthening emergency preparedness, promoting healthy behaviors, reducing health disparities, expanding health information technology, and improving how we report on the quality of health care have helped people and our state. We wish her and her family well as she moves on from state government.”

Prior to being appointed Health Commissioner in February 2003, Mandernach served as the Chief Executive Officer for Mercy Hospital and Health Care Center in Moose Lake, Minnesota since 1993.

“This decision was very difficult for me because I firmly believe in the department’s mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans,” Commissioner Mandernach said. “I will miss the opportunity I have had to contribute to that mission and to lead one of the best health departments in the nation. However, I think this is a good time for me, personally, to enter the next chapter of my life.”

Mandernach said she plans to spend time with her family before deciding about any future professional plans.