February 6, 2025
Gov. Tim Walz announced February 3 that Shireen Gandhi would serve as temporary commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) until a permanent leader is appointed.
Gandhi takes over following the departure of Jodi Harpstead, who stepped down on February 3 after five and a half years of service.
“Gandhi has a wealth of experience in healthcare, budget, finance, and continuous improvement initiatives, and has been a champion for our children and families,” Walz said. “As temporary commissioner, she is well positioned to leverage her skills and knowledge to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership.”
Gandhi joined DHS in 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare to the agency. Prior to her temporary commissioner appointment, Gandhi served as a DHS deputy commissioner overseeing budgeting and financial operations, agency operations strategy, and other agency operations. Since 2022, Gandhi has served on the Technology Advisory Council, which advises the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services.
Before her appointment as deputy commissioner in 2022, Gandhi served as assistant commissioner and chief compliance officer. She led the creation of a new compliance infrastructure and oversight program to improve operations and compliance with federal laws, regulations, and rules. She led and continues to champion agencywide process improvement initiatives to strengthen the internal controls of DHS.
Gandhi has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Hamline University School of Law. She is active in the Minnesota State Bar Association and a past chair of its Health Law Section. She is also a member of the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
May 29, 2025
As the Legislature works to complete its work on the state’s two-year budget, another deadline is looming. Legislators are required to pass a balanced budget before the end of the fiscal year—June 30, 2025. If they don’t meet that deadline, the state will begin a partial shutdown.
May 29, 2025
Registration has opened for the Empowering Physicians: A Night of Reflection and Engagement event, featuring best-selling author Elisabeth Rosenthal, MD.
May 29, 2025
The AMA is encouraging physicians to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to revise the reconciliation bill passed recently by the U.S. House of Representatives. While the bill includes language that would stabilize Medicare physician payments, it also threatens to cripple Medicaid and CHIP.