Walz names Robert Doty as Minnesota's chief tax collector

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz has promoted Robert Doty to be the next commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the governor’s office announced Friday.

Doty, who’s currently an assistant commissioner, will take over Nov. 12. He’ll replace Cynthia Bauerly, who stepped down last month after six years as the state’s chief tax collector, a longer tenure than any previous revenue commissioner.

Doty has private and nonprofit sector experience in federal and state taxation, finance, accounting, business operations, and human resources. He previously served as executive director of the Minnesota State Lottery, and as the chief financial and chief operating officers of both the Harvest Network of Schools and the Minneapolis Public Schools.

“Robert Doty’s experience balancing budgets and bringing a diverse range of voices to the table have prepared him to lead Minnesota through the difficult budget years we’re facing,” Walz said in a statement. “As commissioner, Robert Doty will put our values of fairness, integrity, and servant leadership first.”

Doty said in the same statement that his top priority will be “to provide a fair and transparent revenue system that can help our state plan for our future and weather the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.”

Minnesota is facing a projected $4.7 billion shortfall for its 2022-23 budget due to the pandemic