State Secretary and special assistants appointed for Minister of Social Security Grahn-Laasonen
Laura Rissanen is to serve as State Secretary to Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. The minister has invited Sakari Rokkanen and Niilo Heinonen to serve as special assistants.
Laura Rissanen will serve as State Secretary, assisting the minister in functions related to political guidance and preparation of business, such as implementing the Government Programme. She will also be responsible for the minister’s European Union and international affairs, and for matters falling under the Department for Work and Gender Equality (TTO). The functions of this department include issues related to gender equality, occupational safety and health, and occupational health care.
Rissanen takes up the position of State Secretary after previously serving at Kesko Corporation as Regional Director for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, East Uusimaa and Kymenlaakso. This followed a period of service as Director responsible for industrial policy lobbying at Finnish Education Employers (FEE). Rissanen has a long career in political support positions, including serving as Secretary-General to the National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group, and as a special assistant to the minister in three ministries.
Sakari Rokkanen will be responsible for the minister’s budget affairs and for business at the Department for Insurance and Social Security (SVO), excluding matters of unemployment benefit policy that fall within the purview of Minister of Employment Arto Satonen. The functions of this department include drafting legislation and decrees related to social security, pensions and the insurance industry. Rokkanen will also be responsible for matters related to social assistance, which will be transferred to the Department for Insurance and Social Security from the Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare (APO).
Rokkanen takes up the position of special assistant after serving at the office of the National Coalition Party, where his duties included preparing and participating in negotiations for the Government Programme. His previously positions include serving as an economist at the Finnish Landlord Association and for the National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group.
Niilo Heinonen will be responsible for the minister’s public and media relations, and for matters falling within the scope of the Department for Safety, Security and Health (TUTO). The functions of this department include alcohol, tobacco and drug policy, preventing harm caused by gambling, pharmaceutical service, environmental health care, health protection, and preparedness.
Heinonen takes up the position of special assistant after serving as Press Secretary to the National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group, where he was responsible for internal and external communications and media relations. His previous appointments include serving as Political Secretary to Youth of the National Coalition Party and as Chair of the Conscript Union of Finland.
Inquiries
Laura Rissanen, State Secretary (contact via Riikka Mononen, secretary, tel. +358 29 516 3531)
Sakari Rokkanen, Special Assistant (contact via Noora Manni, secretary, tel. +358 29 516 3534)
Niilo Heinonen, Special Assistant (contact via Noora Manni, secretary, tel. +358 29 516 3534)
All personal e-mail addresses are in the form: [email protected]
