Saint Paul – Governor Pawlenty announced today that Revenue Commissioner Ward Einess will be leaving his administration effective December 3 to begin his own government affairs practice.

“Ward has been a trusted advisor and highly respected advocate for our agenda since the beginning of my administration,” Governor Pawlenty said. “His commitment to sound tax policy and his bipartisan credibility with legislators has helped enact much-needed improvements to Minnesota’s tax system. I’m grateful for Ward’s exceptional leadership and counsel.”

Einess was appointed in 2007 as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, where he oversaw the consolidation of all tax types into a single, integrated tax processing system. He also administered several successful tax compliance initiatives and championed efforts to increase the research and development tax credit and enact an angel investment tax credit.

"It has been a privilege to serve in this administration and to work on meaningful policies that have had a positive impact on Minnesotans," said Einess.

Prior to his current appointment, Einess served as commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and as senior advisor to the Governor on issues related to tax policy, economic development, labor relations and commerce. Before serving in the Pawlenty administration, Einess was director of fiscal policy for the Minnesota Business Partnership.