Alex Bartolic, former director of disability services for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), has come out of retirement to serve as interim deputy executive director.
Bartolic replaces Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske, who stepped down as interim executive director at MCD in mid-May. Kropuenske has accepted a position at the University of Minnesota.
A search for a new executive director is underway. According to MCD, Bartolic has come on board to ensure a smooth transition.
Bartolic brings more than 40 years’ experience in disability services. She began her career as a special education teacher for the first public school classroom for students with significant disabilities, ages 4 – 21 in a nine-district special education cooperative in northern Minnesota. She left teaching as the developmental disabilities (DD) waiver first started in Minnesota to join Carlton County as a case manager and develop home and community-based services. She also held different posts at Hennepin County and DHS. She has received state and national awards recognizing her innovation and advocacy for people with disabilities.
“It is an honor to join the Minnesota Council on Disability until a new executive director is on board. MCD has pressing work to do, especially in light of COVID-19, and the important task of hiring a new leader. I look forward to working with and supporting the Council, and its staff in our mission for Minnesotans with disabilities,” said Bartolic. She is working remotely and can be reached at Alex.Bartolic@state.mn.us
(Source: Minnesota Council on Disability)
