Dayton Appoints New State IT Commissioner

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed a longtime information technology manager to head Minnesota's IT services, his office announced Wednesday.

Tom Baden will lead MN.IT Services, the state information technology outfit that services more than 70 state boards, commissions and agencies. It also works with some other state entities and educational institutions.

Dayton said in a prepared statement that Baden's 32 years in state service make him a good fit for the job.

"Under Commissioner Baden's leadership, I am confident MN.IT Services will continue to improve Minnesotans' access to information, and to the valuable services provided by state government," the governor said.

Baden previously worked in IT management positions at the state Department of Human Services, Department of Employment and Economic Development and the office that became MN.IT.

The previous MN.IT commissioner, Carolyn Parnell, announced her departure last month. Dayton appointed her four years ago.

MN.IT had a hand in the troubled rollout of MNsure, the state's health exchange.