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Alumni Profile

Jim Bernstein: Joining the "body politic"
by Maggie Weller ’01

Augsburg graduate Jim Bernstein ’78 traded a career in the private sector for one in the political arena, and is now commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce in Governor Jesse Ventura's cabinet.

According to Bernstein, becoming commissioner was "sort of an accident," because he actually "started off as deputy commissioner in a department that no longer exists." Now he is commissioner of a department which "is the chief regulating agency in the areas of telecommunications, energy, and financial services."

Jim Bernstein ’78 was appointed commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce by Governor Jesse Ventura (courtesy photo).

He first became involved with Ventura's cabinet in March 1999 when friend and colleague Steve Minn asked Bernstein to serve as deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service. At the time, Minn was serving as the department's commissioner.

Bernstein accepted Minn's offer because, "I supported the governor, and I thought the idea of working for him was very appealing." Bernstein also admitted that he thought working for Ventura was going to be "quite a ride."

He served as deputy commissioner until September 1999, when the department was merged into the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Then, when the Minnesota Senate failed to confirm Steve Minn as commissioner of the newly merged department, Bernstein was asked to stay on as the acting commissioner. He served in that capacity until last July when he was appointed commissioner.

Prior to his involvement in public service, Bernstein spent most of his career in marketing, public relations, and advertising. Most recently, he was vice president and research manager at Colle & McVoy Advertising and Public Relations.

Bernstein admits he sometimes misses his former career and coworkers. However, he said, "I thought if I did not do this, I would spend the rest of my career in advertising, public relations, and marketing."

Staying in one career for his entire working life was something he wanted to avoid. "Too many people settle into their career and wish to do other things and just do not do it," he said.

Bernstein attributes much of his success to what he calls the wonderful education he received at Augsburg. In fact, he said, "The Air Force taught me confidence and made me grow up; Augsburg extended my vision and horizons in a way I had never imagined."

The education and experience Bernstein received at Augsburg have kept him involved with the College as a member of the Augsburg College Alumni Board. "I wish more alums would do that. I strongly believe you need to serve your community, and I also think you have an ethical obligation to give something back to your college," he said.

Bernstein graduated from Augsburg with a B.A. in political science. He is a program advisor for St. Cloud Technical College, a member of the Minnesota State College and University Trustee Candidate Council, and has served on the State Board of Technical Colleges.

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