DFL Gov. Mark Dayton is losing another member of his cabinet as he prepares to start a second term.

Carolyn Parnell announced today that she’s stepping down as head of MN.IT Services on Jan. 5. In that job, Parnell serves as the state’s Chief Information Officer. The agency provides information technology services to other state government departments.

In a memo to employees, Parnell said she thought this was a good time to leave.

“I believe that MN.IT Services has reached important milestones that make it possible for me to step away and pursue new challenges,” Parnell wrote. “I want you to know that the fact that I’m leaving says something about my faith in all of you to carry on with the momentum we have created together and I cannot thank you enough for the contributions each of you has made in getting us to this point.”

Parnell is the third cabinet member to resign. Tony Sertich stepped down as commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and Susa Haigh resigned as chair of the Metropolitan Council.

UPDATE

In a news release this afternoon, Gov. Dayton thanked Parnell for her service. He also said his office will immediately begin accepting applications to fill the vacancy.

“As Commissioner of MN.IT Services, Carolyn Parnell ably led major reforms in our state government's information technology and related services,” Dayton said. “This consolidation improved agencies' efficiencies and saved Minnesota taxpayers nearly $28 million. I am grateful to Carolyn for her dedicated service to the people of Minnesota.”