Hello everyone!
I’m Linda Wolford, and I’m very excited to join the Minnesota Council on Disability as the new Government Relations Director. In this role, I’ll work closely with Trevor Turner, Public Policy Director, on legislative issues, disability policy and building partnerships with other state entities. My focus will include the new Guardianship Task Force, improving the treatment of inmates with disabilities, and the rulemaking process.
Interestingly, I’m returning to where my career began. In 1988, I served as the Council’s Information and Referral Specialist—essentially a one-person “Disability Hub” in the pre-computer era! During that time, I was fortunate to be mentored by the late Margot Imdieke-Cross, who helped shape me into the disability advocate I am today.
I spent most of my career at the University of Minnesota, serving nine and a half years as a manager at the Disability Resource Center. Prior to that, I worked as the Director of the U’s Diversity Institute. I provided training on human difference, disability, and diversity at the University and across the country.
Most recently, I served as Deputy Director of the Disability Services Division (DSD) at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Before that, as DSD’s Interagency Coordinator, I led efforts addressing the direct care workforce shortage and other Olmstead initiatives across multiple state departments, including Education and Employment and Economic Development. My earlier work at DHS involved home care policy, employment initiatives, and consumer-directed personal care assistance services under several federal grants.
My educational background includes a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with a Rehabilitation emphasis, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies from St. Cloud State University. I’ve also served as adjunct faculty, teaching disability-focused courses at both St. Cloud State and the University of Minnesota.
As a person who navigates the world using a power chair and has very limited movement due to spinal muscular atrophy, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to this position. I grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, and today I live independently in Roseville with the assistance of personal care attendants.
Outside of work, I enjoy music, concerts, the State Fair, sports, shopping, and outdoor activities in summer. I also enjoy time spent with my many friends and family members. Minnesota winters aren’t my favorite; I love traveling to warm places whenever possible!
I look forward to meeting many of you and working with Council members and staff to better the lives of people with disabilities across Minnesota!