Trustee Duane Benson
Congressional District #1
Legislative District #31B
Term Dates: July 1, 2004, through
June 30, 2010
Minnesota Early Learning Foundation
2021 East Hennepin Avenue, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55413
E-mail: oxtrail@acegroup.cc
benson@melf.us
Duane Benson, Lanesboro, is the executive director of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation. He also was the executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership from 1994 to 2003. Benson served in the Minnesota Senate from 1980 to 1994 and was the Senate Minority Leader for a period during that time. He graduated with honors from Hamline University. Benson was drafted into the NFL and played 11 seasons as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oilers.
He continues to own and operate a cattle farm outside of Lanesboro and is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations.
A resident of the First Congressional District, Benson is appointed to an at-large seat on the board. Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Benson to the board for a six-year term ending June 30, 2010.
