2 Top DHS Officials Are Resigning; Reasons Unknown

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Two of the top officials at Minnesota's largest state agency are leaving their jobs, and the department isn't saying why.

Human Services Commissioner Tony Lourey announced Thursday that Deputy Commissioners Chuck Johnson and Claire Wilson are resigning in the coming weeks. He thanked them for their service but gave no reason for the abrupt exits.

Neither Johnson nor Wilson immediately returned calls seeking comment Friday.

The departures are happening seven months into the administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, at agency that's been under fire for its handling of alleged fraud, data breaches and other administrative problems.

Sen. Jim Abeler says the departures seem "unplanned" and "hasty." The Anoka Republican, who chairs a committee that oversees the agency, says the resignations leave "a very big hole" in the department's leadership.

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