Ida Rukavina named next IRRR commissioner

Ida Rukavina worked for me for years as my northern Minnesota outreach director. She is incredibly smart and an intrepid and innovative leader”

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

REGIONAL— Ida Rukavina, a Pike Township native, will be the next commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation. Gov. Tim Walz made that announcement on Dec. 21, as current commissioner Mark Phillips heads into retirement. Rukavina will assume her new role beginning in January.

The announcement was greeted with accolades from across the area.

“Ida Rukavina is an excellent choice to serve the Northland at the state Capitol,” said Rick Cannata, Mayor of Hibbing. “She is well-positioned to work across business, nonprofit, and public sectors to grow the Iron Range economy. As mayor, I’ve gotten to know Ida and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.” 

Rukavina, the daughter of the late Iron Range lawmaker Tom Rukavina, brings an already extensive career in public and quasi-public leadership to the job.

“Ida Rukavina worked for me for years as my northern Minnesota outreach director. She is incredibly smart and an intrepid and innovative leader,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar in response to the announcement.

Rukavina has also worked as a union leader and has most recently served as the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools. She earned her B.A. from Clark University and a master’s degree in Advocacy and Public Leadership from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

“I am honored for this opportunity from Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan to serve the people of the northland in this role as Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation,” said Rukavina. “I am looking forward to working with people and communities of the Taconite Assistance Area to continue working towards a future which includes jobs that support families, a strong educational system, and thriving cities and towns.”

Gov. Walz said the selection of Rukavina reflects her impressive leadership abilities. “With extensive experience serving schools, townships, and cities on the Iron Range, she is dedicated to ensuring that local communities in northeastern Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive,” said Gov. Walz.