Dayton Promotes Trade Chief To Lead Econ Agency

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton is appointing a new commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Dayton's office announced Thursday that he picked Katie Clark to lead the agency that promotes economic and workforce development, fosters international trade, and administers programs to laid-off workers. Clark is the current director of the Minnesota Trade Office and was the finance director for Dayton's campaign for governor.

Clark is replacing Mark Phillips, who had been working for a construction firm and was a veteran of former Gov. Rudy Perpich's administration. Dayton's office says Phillips is returning to the private sector but did not release further details of his departure.

Prior to working for Dayton's campaign, Clark had worked in business development and recruitment at Target Corporation and also for a wind energy firm.

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