Rybak hires O’Rourke to be his Chief of Staff
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has hired League of Minnesota Cities lobbyist Jennifer O'Rourke to be his Chief of Staff. The hire, which was confirmed by Rybak spokesman John Stiles, is expected to be formally announced later today.
O'Rourke will succeed Jeremy Hanson, whom Rybak appointed Director of Community Planning and Economic Development.
O'Rourke has been a familiar face at the Minnesota Capitol as a lobbyist for the League of Minnesota Cities. She worked on several issues that are important to Minneapolis including state aid to cities, economic development and taxes. She also lobbied on gambling, tobacco and liquor issues for the League of Minnesota Cities. O'Rourke has been a lobbyist at the League of Minnesota Cities for roughly 10 years.
While O'Rourke has been nonpartisan during her work as a lobbyist, her family is active in DFL politics. She is married to DFL Party Chair Ken Martin.
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