Board News

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of two individuals to PERA’s Board of Trustees.

The Board welcomes:

• David Minke, who was appointed to a four-year term through January 2029. Trustee Minke is serving as the Representative of Counties.
• Barb Johnson, who was re-appointed to a four-year term through January 2029. Trustee Johnson is serving as the Representative of Cities.

Meet PERA’s New Trustee

David Minke, appointed to represent counties, has over 27 years of experience in local government. He became the County Administrator for Pine County in 2012, working closely with county employees, elected officials, and community members to address complex challenges with transparency, accountability, and long-term solutions. As a dedicated public servant, he has an extensive background in financial management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about ensuring that PERA’s decisions are guided by sound governance, data-driven insights, and a commitment to equity for all members and stakeholders. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts in public administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The PERA Board of Trustees voted unanimously at their February 13, meeting to re-elect Thomas Stanley as President and Dennis Flaherty as Vice President of the Board to servie for another year.

Thomas Stanley, active General and Correctional Plan representative, first appointed to fill a vacant board seat in March 2013. Tom is a senior attorney with the St. Louis County Attorney’s office since 2003. He has served as president of AFSCME Local 3761, director for Grandma’s Marathon, former president of the 11th District Bar Association, and serves on numerous non-profit and community boards. Tom brings experience, dedication, integrity, and depth and breadth of knowledge to the PERA Board as a trustee. Tom has served as the president since 2019.

Dennis Flaherty, elected to represent Retired, Disabled and Survivor members, grew up in Saint Paul and began his career as a police officer in the City of Brooklyn Center in 1974. He became the Executive Director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) in 1986 and later left the Executive Director position to become Deputy Mayor of the City of Saint Paul in 2002. Dennis returned to his role as Executive Director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association in 2008. Dennis has been an advocate for law enforcement officers in Minnesota and an ambassador for Minnesota’s law enforcement community to all Minnesotans. He has served as a Trustee since 2023.