ST. PAUL — Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman has appointed Joe Kelly the Director of the division of Homeland Security Emergency Management (DPS/HSEM), and Matt Langer Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol (DPS/MSP). Kelly and Langer begin their duties on January 14, 2015.

HSEM – Joe Kelly
Kelly has served as the Deputy Director of DPS/HSEM for the last four years, directing response support and recovery operations for six federal and two state declared disasters. He was also responsible for implementing the state’s new disaster assistance program.

Prior to joining DPS/HSEM, Kelly served in the Minnesota National Guard for 26 years. As the Assistant Adjutant General, he directed crisis response for the Guard during two federal declared emergencies.

“I am excited to continue the good work we do across this state with Joe leading HSEM,” Commissioner Dohman said. “We have important responsibility to help Minnesota prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.”

Kelly earned his bachelor degree in accounting from St. Johns University and master of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a certified emergency manager.

Kelly succeeds Kris Eide who is retiring after 10 years as DPS/HSEM’s director and 28 years in state government.

MSP – Matt Langer
Langer has served as the assistant chief of the Patrol for four years and acting chief for the last year. He has been responsible for all aspects of Patrol operations including policy development and strategic planning, oversight of the investigative services section, and leading the agency’s disaster response. Langer began with the Patrol as a trooper in 1999 and has served as a technical sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major.

Langer is an instructor in the Leadership in Police Organizations training through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (DPS/BCA) and also teaches strategic planning and leadership for the BCA and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police. Additionally, he has taught several criminal justice courses at Century College and Metropolitan State University.

“Lt. Colonel Langer comes to this position with a sound work ethic, a wealth of knowledge, ability and energy, to lead the Minnesota State Patrol well into the future,” Commissioner Dohman said. 

Langer earned his bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and a master’s degree in public and non-profit administration from Metropolitan State University.

Langer succeeds Kevin Daly who is retiring after 29 years with the State Patrol, four as chief.