[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council, The Rural Health Advisory Committee, and the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service.

Mike Birkeland – Duluth, MN

Minnesota Forest Resources Council

Forest Products Industry Representative

Effective: December 7, 2020

Term Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Rick Horton

About the Minnesota Forest Resources Council:

The Minnesota Forest Resources Council was legislatively established in 1995 to develop and recommend sustainable forest policies, practices, and plans that balance the economic, environmental, and social values of the state’s forest resources.

More information on the Minnesota Forest Resources Council can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Lonnie Spokely – Neilsville, MN

Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council

Potato Wash Plant Representative

Effective: December 7, 2020

Term Expires: January 2, 2023

Reappointment

About the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council:

The Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council promotes Minnesota-grown Irish potatoes through research and advertising by providing grants.

More information on the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Senator Nick Frentz – North Mankato, MN

Rural Health Advisory Committee

Senate Minority Party Representative

Effective: January 5, 2021

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Replacing: Tony Lourey

About the Rural Health Advisory Committee:

The Rural Health Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner of Health and other state agencies on rural health issues.

More information on the Rural Health Advisory Committee can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Sarah Clyne – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service

Community Member

Effective: January 5, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Gracie George

Philip Rutherford – Rochester, MN

Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service

Community Member

Effective: January 5, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Holly Christie

Mary Quirk – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service

Volunteerism with Older Adults Representative

Effective: January 5, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service:

The Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service, also known as ServeMinnesota, provides grant funding, training, and technical assistance to nonprofits, government agencies, and schools that run AmeriCorps programs. They also pioneer strategic initiatives in a variety of impact areas in order to solve complex social problems.

More information on the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.