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.
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On July 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they are deferring more than $1 billion in federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California in an effort the combat "fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid and safeguard federal taxpayer dollars."
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