[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, the Board of Medical Practice, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth, the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, and the Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board.

Samantha Olsen – Cleveland, MN

Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Non-Metro Occupational Therapist Member

Effective: March 8, 2021

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Reappointment

Erin Staum – Oakdale, MN

Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Metro Occupational Therapy Assistant Member

Effective: March 8, 2021

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Reappointment

About the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

The Board of Occupational Therapy Practice licenses practitioners and enforces state rules and statues governing the practice of occupational therapy to ensure a reasonable standard of competent and ethical practice.

Additional information about the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Dr. Chaitanya Anand – Eagan, MN

Board of Medical Practice

Physician Member

Effective: March 8, 2021

Expiration: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Dr. Irshad Jafri

Dr. Tenbit Emiru – Plymouth, MN

Board of Medical Practice

Physician Member

Effective: March 8, 2021

Expiration: January 6, 2025

Replacing: Maria Statton

About the Board of Medical Practice:

The Board of Medical Practice’s duties include the licensure and enforcement of statutes, laws, and rules related to the professional practice of physicians, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, genetic counselors, naturopathic doctors, and traditional midwives. The Board also serves as a resource to consumers and stakeholders in the health care delivery system.

Additional information about the Board of Medical Practice can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Yvonne Prettner Solon – Duluth, MN

Seaway Port Authority of Duluth

Member

Effective: March 8, 2021

Expiration: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

About the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth:

The Seaway Port Authority of Duluth promotes international and domestic waterborne commerce in port district, owns port and industrial properties, and may acquire or construct port facilities.

Additional information about the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Dr. Devinder Malhotra – St. Paul, MN

Midwestern Higher Education Compact

At-Large Member - Higher Education

Effective: March 3, 2021

Expiration: January 6, 2025

Reappointment

About the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC):

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact brings together midwestern states to develop and support best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. Through these efforts it works to ensure strong, equitable postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all. MHEC is a 501(c)3 entity statutorily created in each of its member states which include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Cesar Montufar – Stillwater, MN

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

Teacher - Charter School

Effective Date: March 8, 2021

Expiration Date: January 3, 2022

Replacing: Maggie Borman

Brian Rappe – St. Paul, MN

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

Teacher - Special Education

Effective Date: March 8, 2021

Expiration Date: January 6, 2025

Reappointment

May Thor – Lino Lakes, MN

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

Teacher - Related Service Category

Effective Date: March 8, 2021

Expiration Date: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Anne Lindgren

About the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board:

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is responsible for licensing teachers, developing licensure verification requirements, and evaluating candidates for compliance with statutory or rule requirements for licensure.

Additional information about the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 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.