New boss at Minnesota campaign board is old hand
The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board didn't look far to find its newest executive director, promoting the longtime deputy to the top job.
The appointed board opted against a wider search Tuesday and named Jeffrey Sigurdson the day-to-day leader of the campaign finance regulatory agency. He is due to take over later this month when current executive director Gary Goldsmith retires from the role.
"We really have what amounts to a near-perfect candidate there ready to go," said board member Daniel Rosen, adding, "We know we've got a good, safe choice. We know he can do the job well."
Added fellow board member Peggy Leppik: "We have in Jeff a proven quantity."
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Sigurdson, 56, has almost three decades of state government experience. Prior to working for the campaign board, he was in the election division of the secretary of state's office. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and has a master's degree in public administration.
While working in Yellowstone Park after college, Sigurdson met his now-wife Teri Holte, who was a Minnesota native. The couple relocated to Minnesota to start their respective careers.
As executive director, Sigurdson will oversee an operating budget of about $1 million and a staff of eight. The director has an important role in advising the six-member board as it considers campaign finance policy and complaints. Candidates, political parties and groups, lobbyists and elected officials register with the board and provide periodic reports on their activity.
Sigurdson will be the 6th executive director of the 40-year-old board.