[2][3] Pogemiller was born in Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1969.

He was appointed Director of the Higher Education office in October 2011 by Governor of Minnesota Mark Dayton.

[5] Reporter Tom Scheck of Minnesota Public Radio called him "a brilliant and combative political tactician who often speaks his mind".

[6] Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum called him "a very frustrating individual as he runs the clock past midnight all the time."

Pogemiller had a rocky relationship with former Republican governor Tim Pawlenty.