New Leadership Named at Minnesota Department of Agriculture

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson has announced new appointments to his leadership team at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Frederickson has named Andrea Vaubel as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner. Vaubel replaces former Deputy Commissioner Matt Wohlman who took a position in the private sector. Vaubel has served as Assistant Commissioner at the MDA since 2016 and has worked in the Commissioner’s office since 2013.

Frederickson also named Whitney Place to serve as Assistant Commissioner to oversee the Ag Marketing and Development and Plant Protection Divisions. Place has been with the department since 2012, most recently as Director of Government Relations.

Policy Specialist Craig McDonnell has been promoted to the position of Director of Government Relations. McDonnell has been with the MDA since 2015.

The new appointments went into effect immediately.