Ida Rukavina chosen to lead IRRR

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation will be headed up by Ida Rukavina.

Rukavina, the daughter of longtime Minnesota lawmaker Tom Rukavina, will be the IRRR’s next commissioner. She succeeds Mark Phillips, who is stepping down.

Rukavina currently leads RAMS, the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools.

“With extensive experience serving schools, townships, and cities on the Iron Range, she is dedicated to ensuring that local communities in northeastern Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) said.

Rukavina said in a press release that she is “honored” to serve in this position.

“I am looking forward to working with people and communities of the Taconite Assistance Area to continue working towards a future which includes jobs that support families, a strong educational system, and thriving cities and towns,” she said.