[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of the Minnesota State Academies, Board of Optometry, Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commissions, and Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.

Oluwagbenga Ogungbe – Oakdale, MN

Board of the Minnesota State Academies

Member of the General Public with Business, Administrative, or Financial Expertise

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 5, 2026

Reappointment

About the Board of the Minnesota State Academies:

The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the State Academies for the Deaf and Blind. It promotes academic standards based on high expectations and an assessment system to measure academic performance toward the achievement of those standards.

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

Georgiann Jensen-Bohn – Cambridge, MN

Board of Optometry

Optometrist

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Patrick O'Neill

About the Board of Optometry:

The Board of Optometry licenses optometrists, adopts rules, and investigates complaints.

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

Alexander Catevenis – Rochester, MN

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Regional Emergency Medical Services Program Representative

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 5, 2026

Replacing: Jeffrey Ho

Anthony Chu – Blaine, MN

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Registered Nurse

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 5, 2026

Replacing: Megan Hartigan

Scott Hable – Hector, MN

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

County Sheriff Representative

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 5, 2026

Reappointment

Sara Rybarczyk – Lake City, MN

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Ambulance Service Director

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 5, 2026

Replacing: Tim Malchow

About the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board:

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) is responsible for certifying EMS personnel, licensing and inspecting ambulance services, registering medical response units, and approving and auditing education programs. The EMSRB also supports EMS across Minnesota through grant funding of the eight EMS regions and other programs and activities. In addition, the EMSRB assists with the coordination of EMS activities during regional and statewide emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Reid Huttunen – East Grand Forks, MN

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission

Member Representing District 2

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Matthew Hill

About the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission:

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission designates regionally significant parks and trails through a comprehensive, multi-step process. The commission’s designation enables facilities to apply for funding through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Currently there are 62 designated parks and trails in Greater Minnesota.

Additional information about the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Honorable Michael Mayer – Eagan, MN

Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee

Member

Effective: September 21, 2022

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Rhonda Larkin

About the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee:

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee is the supervisory board for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Title II Juvenile Justice Program with respect to preparation and administration of the state plan and award of grants. This committee oversees Minnesota’s compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee provides leadership and support in setting a vision for juvenile justice in Minnesota that is informed by evidence-based practices, multi-disciplinary experience, and the diverse communities of Minnesota.

Additional information about the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee 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.