Longtime IRRR employee reflects on the life and work of former Commissioner Mark Phillips

Former Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Commissioner Mark Phillips passed away August 23 at his home on Lake Vermilion.

He was 73.

The Eveleth native retired from the state agency in January. He served as the as commissioner of IRRR under under Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Gov. Tim Walz. Prior to that, he served as the commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Virginia Elks Club (220 N 5th Ave. W in Virginia, Minn.) from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept., 23.

Cook County resident Mary Somnis worked for nearly 20 years at IRRR, including when Phillips was the commissioner of the agency. In this WTIP report, Somnis talks about the importance of Phillips to northeastern Minnesota, and his leadership on the Iron Range. Audio below.

Pictured from left to right in the photo are Mark Phillips, Mary Somnis, and Steve Peterson.

Joe Friedrichs August 31, 2023