The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) announced Monday that Margaret Anderson Kelliher has been chosen to serve as its next president-a role that she will assume in January.

Kelliher-who now serves as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives-succeeds Kate Rubin, who left her nine-year post as MHTA president and CEO in June. Rubin is now vice president of social responsibility for Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group and executive director of the United Health Foundation.

Earlier this year, Kelliher got the DFL endorsement for governor, but she lost to Mark Dayton in the August primary race. She was chosen to lead the MHTA after an extensive search process led by Minneapolis-based KeyStone Search.

“Through her previous positions in government and extensive community involvement, Margaret brings excellent experience collaborating with individuals and organizations, great familiarity with public policy and strong communication skills to the position,” Joy Lindsay, chair of the MHTA board, said in a statement. “Margaret is a proven leader, and we are excited to utilize her strengths to promote the growth and sustainability of Minnesota's technology-based economy.”

During her tenure as speaker of the House, Kelliher-a lifelong Minnesotan-led the passage of a state renewable energy standard and created a jobs task force that aims to invest in job creation and train skilled workers for the current economy. In addition to her legislative post, Kelliher also teaches at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute.

“I am passionate about advancing education and job growth in Minnesota, and serving as president of MHTA will allow me to do that,” Kelliher said in a statement. “MHTA represents many voices in Minnesota technology, and I feel my experiences in government and community involvement will benefit the collaborative building of relationships across the state. I'm looking forward to leading the MHTA to expand Minnesota's future workforce, advocate for its members, and build partnerships to advance technology across the state.”

MHTA is a trade organization that aims to “promote the growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public-policy advocacy, member collaboration, and education and community outreach.” MHTA has members of all sizes who are involved in virtually every aspect of the state's technology creation, production, application, and education.