Gov.-elect Tim Walz and Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan recently announced that Paul Schnell would be commissioner of Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Schnell, 57, has more than 30 years of professional experience in corrections and public safety. In 1993, he moved from a position working with youth offenders at Carver County Court Services to become a deputy with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.
Schnell left the Sheriff’s Office for a position with the Saint Paul Police Department in 1999. He’s held a number of positions since, including chief of police for Hastings and Maplewood. He is currently police chief for Inver Grove Heights.
Schnell and his wife of 31 years, Julie, live in Mendota Heights and have four adult children.
“I look forward to working with Paul as we seek justice, reduce recidivism, and ensure our state correctional facilities are safe for our officers and inmates,” Walz stated, in a press release.
“I am immensely honored to have the opportunity to serve Minnesota as the next Commissioner of Corrections,” said Schnell. “I look forward to engaging with all the Department of Corrections’ committed staff to enhance the safety of correctional staff and to seek creative partnerships to reduce recidivism.”
Other state commissioners with Carver County connections who have served include 1980 Chaska High School graduate Mike Rothman, who served as Minnesota Department of Commerce commissioner for seven years under Gov. Mark Dayton.
Carol Molnau, a former Chaska resident, served as Tim Pawlenty’s lieutenant governor for eight years. For much of the two terms, she served a dual role as Minnesota Department of Transportation commissioner.
