Jim Schowalter has been a leader in public finance, policy, and management for over 30 years and is currently a consultant with the Minnesota Wild.  

Jim has executive experience in many different public and non-profit teams. Jim served as Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget for Governor Tim Walz (2020-23), for Governor Dayton (2011-15), and as State Budget Director for Governor Pawlenty (2004-10). In this capacity, he’s led teams through shutdowns and pandemics, restored the state’s AAA credit rating, and worked to ensure policy and performance goals were realized.

He’s also served as CEO for the MN Council of Health Plans (2015-19) and Sr. Vice President at HealthPartners (2019-20).

Jim first came to Minnesota to attend Macalester College and later got an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School. Jim and his spouse, two college age children, and two large cats all live in Eagan.