Introduction - Business Bio

Kevin is a shareholder and Chair of Fredrikson’s Government Relations practice. His focus is to provide a comprehensive range of services to his clients, utilizing his background in law, business and government relations. 

Kevin has extensive experience in state and local government with particular focus on health care and tax policy. Appointed commissioner of Minnesota’s largest agency, the Department of Human Services, by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, he served on the Governor’s Health Cabinet to develop ways to inform, partner, and create efficiency in the health care industry. Before joining the Department of Human Services, he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for twelve years representing the Moorhead area. He also served on the Moorhead City Council where he participated as a planning commission member working on zoning and land use issues. 

Kevin’s private sector experience includes practicing law with a Moorhead law firm where he concentrated his practice on business law including business formation, entity selection, and business planning. Before becoming an attorney, Kevin owned and operated a retail business, giving him first hand knowledge of the issues his corporate clients face.

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law, LL.M. in Taxation, 1999, summa cum laude
• William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 1999, magna cum laude, valedictorian
• Concordia College, Moorhead, B.A., 1985, magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota, 1999
• North Dakota, 2000

Practice Areas

• Government Relations
• Aging & Disability Providers

Selected Publications & Presentations

• Panelist, 2010 Minnesota Health Care Roundtable, Minnesota Physician Publishing, October 21, 2010
• Featured in “Kevin Goodno: Lobbying for Better Future,” Finance & Commerce, May 25, 2010
• Speaker, “Annual Legislative Preview,” MSBA’s Health Law Section, January 15, 2010
• “Unallotment Update,” FredALERT: Government Relations, January 8, 2010
• “Minnesota’s Budget Deficit: Significant Yet Solvable?,” FredALERT: Government Relations, December 4, 2009
• Speaker, “Stimulus, infrastructure funding, and the double-edged sword,” Annual Land Development Conference, May 28, 2009
• Frequent presentations as commissioner on a variety of topics such as: Governor’s budget, mental health reform, and Canadian prescription medicine website

Professional Activities

• Public Affairs Council, Board Member, 2010
• Minnesota Business Partnership, Deputy, 2007-present
• Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, Board Member, 2006-present, Board President, 2009-present
• Citizens League, Board Member, 2007-present, Board Chair, 2010
• Courage Center, Board Member, 2007-present
• State Budget Trends Commission (appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty), co-chair, 2007-2009 (elected by Commission)
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Policy Committee, 2007-present
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. – Centennial Planning Committee, 2007-2009
• American Public Health Services Association, Member, 2003-present
• Minnesota Bar Association
• North Dakota Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota House of Representatives for the Moorhead area, 1991-2002
• Practiced law with the Gunhus Law Firm, Moorhead, 1999-2002
• Served on the Moorhead City Council, 1986-1990
• Involved in the operation of a Moorhead retail business, 1978-1995; owned and operated the business, 1991-1995

Honors & Distinctions

• Named Top 100 MN Influencers, Campaigns & Elections, 2010
• “Champion of Epilepsy Award” by The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, October 2010
• Named one of the “2010 Minnesotans on the Move” by Finance & Commerce, 2010
• Profiled in “The 10 most influential lobbyists in Minnesota,” by Matt Snyders, Minneapolis City Pages, January 19, 2010
• “Public Leadership Award” by Minnesota Mental Health Action Group, 2008
• The German Marshall Fund of the United States, American Marshall Memorial Fellowship Program, Fellow, 2002
• “Distinguished Service and Leadership Award” by American Cancer Society, 2002
• “Legislator of the Year” by American Heart Association Minnesota Affiliate, 2001
• “Legislator of the Year” by National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, 2001, 1999