Melanie Benjamin reappointed to Minnesota Housing Board

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the reappointment of Melanie Benjamin, Onamia, to the Minnesota Housing Board of Directors. Benjamin first joined the board in 2019; her four-year term expires January 1, 2029.

Melanie Benjamin is a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Benjamin previously served as the Band’s Chief Executive, Commissioner of Administration, and Sr. Vice President of Administration and Finance at Grand Casino Hinckley. As Chief Executive, Benjamin led the Executive Branch of Band government and conducted external relations with other governments. Benjamin’s board service includes: Native American Finance Officers Association, Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations, American Indian Law Resource Center, National Indian Gaming Association, Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Minnesota Board on Aging, U.S. Attorney Generals’ Tribal Nations Leadership Council, U.S. Department of Interior Self-Governance Negotiated Rulemaking Committee and Lt. Gov. Flanagan’s Young Women’s Leadership Council.

“Chief Benjamin has been an invaluable member of the Minnesota Housing board and we look forward to her continued leadership. Her extensive experience and thoughtful approach are integral to the Agency’s work on behalf of Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho.

The Minnesota Housing board ensures the agency’s independence when making decisions and maintaining financial assets. The board is composed of the state auditor and six members of the public appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate.