Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Tom Hanson, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), will be leaving his administration effective December 1, 2010, to take a position in the legislative and regulatory practice of the Minneapolis law firm of Winthrop & Weinstine.

“Tom has been instrumental in leading our efforts to develop, enact and implement balanced budgets during some of the most difficult economic times in our state’s history,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He is a trusted advisor and friend with the talent to manage both policy and people to success.”

Hanson was appointed Commissioner of Finance (now MMB) in December of 2006. Prior to that, he served as deputy chief of staff and director of legislative and cabinet affairs to Governor Pawlenty from 2003-2006. He joined the Pawlenty administration from the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served in numerous staff positions.

During Hanson’s tenure at MMB, Minnesota retained its position in the elite tier of AAA- rated states, maintaining that bond rating from two of the three rating agencies. He successfully merged the Departments of Finance and Employee Relations, thereby creating MMB, and led the effort to replace Minnesota’s aging accounting and procurement technology system.