Saint Paul – July 31, 2017 – Governor Mark Dayton swore in Alene Tchourumoff Monday morning, as the 15th Chair of the Metropolitan Council. Tchourumoff replaces Adam Duininck who stepped down to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Chair Tchourumoff brings a decade of experience in infrastructure planning, transportation policy, and finance to her new role. She most recently served as Minnesota’s first State Rail Director. Governor Mark administered the oath of office to Chair Tchourumoff at the Met Council Chambers on Monday. He says Chair Tchourumoff is exceptionally well qualified for the position.
“Alene’s years of experience in planning, rail transportation, and finance will be invaluable as Chair of the Metropolitan Council,” said Governor Dayton. “Her ability to forge consensus and find solutions will help Minnesota communities build the infrastructure necessary to support a growing population and further economic growth.”
“I believe in the mission and work of the Council,” said Chair Tchourumoff. “I’m grateful to have this opportunity, as I realize the critical role the Council plays in making our region a competitive one, a region that attracts the best and the brightest because of the high quality of life for its residents.”
“Our success is dependent on strong partnerships with local communities, counties, and businesses – I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders to advocate for real solutions to the challenges facing our region.”
About Chair Alene Tchourumoff
Alene Tchourumoff has spent the last decade serving at the intersection of infrastructure finance and policy. Ms. Tchourumoff was appointed as Minnesota’s first State Rail Director by Governor Mark Dayton in 2016. In this capacity, Tchourumoff has led the Dayton-Smith Administration’s efforts to enhance railway safety, pursue needed infrastructure improvements, continue training and support for first responders, closely monitor rail movements, and work with communities and railroad companies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of rail systems across Minnesota.
Previously, Ms. Tchourumoff served as Director of the Planning Department for Hennepin County Public Works, where she led the county’s comprehensive planning efforts. Prior to her work with Hennepin County, Tchourumoff was a manager for Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C., where she served as a financial and strategic policy advisor to the Federal Railroad Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, focusing on program implementation and financing. She also previously served as manager in the transportation and finance practice for Infrastructure Management Group, advising clients in California, Texas, and Puerto Rico on transportation policy and finance issues.
In addition to her decade of professional experience in infrastructure policy, planning, and finance, Ms. Tchourumoff has served as an Agricultural Development advisor to the World Bank, and has worked extensively in China and Southeast Asia on public policy and public health efforts – including efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in China and Vietnam.
Tchourumoff earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University School of Business, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.