Metropolitan Council to install Tchourumoff as chairwoman

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed Alene Tchourumoff chair of the Twin Cities-area Metropolitan Council.

Tchourumoff has been serving as Minnesota's state rail director since May 2016. She has a decade of experience in infrastructure planning, transportation policy and finance, according to a press release issued by Dayton's office.

As state rail director, Tchourumoff has led the Dayton administration's efforts to enhance rail safety, pursue needed infrastructure improvement, and continue training and support for first responders. She previously served as director of the planning department for Hennepin County Public Works.

Tchourumoff also worked as a manager for Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C., where she served as a financial and strategic policy adviser to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Tchourumoff's ability to "to forge consensus and find solutions will help Minnesota communities build the infrastructure necessary to support a growing population and further economic growth," Dayton said.

Outgoing Metropolitan Council Chair Adam Duininck will step down from his role July 31 to pursue another opportunity. He was named chair in 2015.

The council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency and essential service provider for the Twin Cities region. The council also oversees Metro Transit's rail and bus system.