Michele Kelm-Helgen, a small-business owner and Chaska resident, has been named as Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller’s (DFL-Minneapolis) chief of staff.

“I am excited that someone with Michele’s experience is interested in public service,” Sen. Pogemiller said. “As a small-business owner and school board member Michele has many skills that will be put to good use in the Senate.”

Currently a partner North State Advisers, Kelm-Helgen previously worked as a director at Control Data. First elected in 2000, Kelm-Helgen also serves as a member of the Chaska-Chanhassen-Victoria School Board. She earned a BA from the College of St. Catherine and a MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Kelm-Helgen is married to Henry Helgen who is a litigation attorney at McGrann Shea Anderson Carnival Straughn & Lamb. They have three children - their son teaches abroad and their twin daughters are juniors at Harvard University.

“I have a great deal of respect for Sen. Pogemiller,” Kelm-Helgen said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work within the Senate on important issues to move Minnesota forward.”