[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Electricity; Board of Nursing; Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training; Center for Rural Policy and Development; Explore Minnesota Tourism Council; Minnesota Board of Social Work; Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities; Minnesota State High School League; the Minnesota Zoological Board; and the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training.

Jeff Peper – Oak Grove, MN
Board of Electricity
Master Electrician - Contractor
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: December 31, 2025

About the Board of Electricity:
The Board of Electricity establishes rules, revises the National Electrical Code, provides final interpretations of the code upon submission, and adopts regulations for electrical businesses, individual licenses, and continuing education.

Additional information about the Board of Electricity can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Trisha Jensen – Byron, MN
Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 5, 2026

About the Board of Nursing:
The Board of Nursing works to protect the public’s health and safety through the regulation of nursing education, licensure, and practice.

Additional information about the Board of Nursing can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Michael Ceynowa – Duluth, MN
Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
Police Chief #2
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 5, 2026

About the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training:
The Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training licenses peace officers and part-time peace officers; establishes minimum qualifications and standards of conduct; and regulates professional peace officer education and continuing education for peace officers.

Additional information about the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Christina Bowstring
Center for Rural Policy and Development
Rural Resident Under 5,000 Population
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 6, 2031

About the Center for Rural Policy and Development:
The Center for Rural Policy and Development identifies social and economic issues in rural Minnesota and, through alliances and partnerships, provides research and information on current issues and practical solutions for problems.

Additional information about the Center for Rural Policy and Development can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Beth Fischer – Willmar, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Statewide Association Representative
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Joshua Peterson – Bemidji, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Northwest Tourism Regional
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027

About the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council:
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council promotes activities that support, maintain, and expand the state's domestic and international travel market to generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenue, and employment.

Additional information about the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Courtney Schroeder – North Branch, MN
Minnesota Board of Social Work
Licensed Graduate Social Worker - or - Licensed Independent Social Worker
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028

About the Minnesota Board of Social Work:
The Minnesota Board of Social Work performs duties necessary to promote and protect public health, safety, and welfare through the licensure and regulation of persons who practice social work in this state.

Additional information about the Minnesota Board of Social Work can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Heather Stillwell – Two Harbors, MN
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
State Agency Representative - Dept of Health Rep #1
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 5, 2026

About the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities carries out responsibilities outlined in P.L. 106-402 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports/services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion in the community.

Additional information about the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Obie Kipper – Bloomington, MN
Minnesota State High School League
Parent Member #2
Effective: August 1, 2025
Term Expires: July 31, 2029

About the Minnesota State High School League:
The Minnesota State High School League supervises and regulates interscholastic athletics, and musical, dramatic, and other contests between students at Minnesota high schools.

Additional information about the Minnesota State High School League can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Kathleen Micheletti – Eagan, MN
Minnesota Zoological Board
Member - Gov Appt #7
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029

About the Minnesota Zoological Board:
The Minnesota Zoological Board is responsible for the supervision and control of the Minnesota Zoological Garden.

Additional information about the Minnesota Zoological Board can be found on the Secretary of State's Website.

Jeanette Boerner – Saint Paul, MN
State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training
Chair
Effective: July 23, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027

About the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training:
The State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training directs the Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training which serves parents and children in the child legal welfare system. The board works with the head appellate counsel to govern the office and provide fiscal oversight.

Additional information about the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.