Dayton Taps Economic Official For Iron Range Board

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed a new head of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

Mark Phillips will return to the board as commissioner after serving as its director of economic development in the 1980s. Phillips was also commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development from 2011 to 2012.

His appointment was announced Wednesday. The Mesabi Daily News first reported the appointment.

The IRRRB is a state development agency based in Eveleth that provides low or no-interest loans, grants and loan guarantees for businesses relocating or expanding in northeastern Minnesota.

Phillips will take over for former commissioner Tony Sertich, who left after three years for a job with a Duluth-based foundation.