The Governor is the head of the executive branch of state's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military and navy forces. The governor is charged with ensuring the faithful execution of the state's laws. He or she is empowered to name state commissioners and department heads and to approve or veto bills passed by the legislature. The current governor is Tim Pawlenty. He took the office in office in January 6, 2003 to serve until January 2011.