[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Pharmacy; Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction; Metropolitan Airports Commission; Mineral Coordinating Committee; Minnesota Environmental Quality Board; and Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees.

Michael Haag – Blaine, MN

Board of Pharmacy

Pharmacist Member

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Mary Phipps

Amy Paradis – Fairmont, MN

Board of Pharmacy

Pharmacist Member

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

About the Board of Pharmacy:

The Board of Pharmacy regulates the pharmacy profession and the quality, labeling, and distribution of drugs, and administers the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program, the Opiate Product Registration Fee Program, and the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program.

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

Beth Elstad – Duluth, MN

Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction

Chair

Effective: April 10, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

About the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction:

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction identifies opportunities for and barriers to the development and implementation of policies and strategies to expand access to effective services for Minnesotans. The advisory council also examines services, supports, and needs and provides opportunities for Minnesotans who have experienced addiction.

Additional information about the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Braj Agrawal – Eden Prairie, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

District B Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Yodit Bizen – Apple Valley, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

District H Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Carl Crimmins – Champlin, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

District A Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Dixie Hoard – Thief River Falls, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

Commissioner

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Rick King – Eden Prairie, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

Chair

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Rodney Skoog – White Bear Lake, MN

Metropolitan Airports Commission

District F Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

About the Metropolitan Airports Commission:

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) promotes air transportation locally, nationally, and internationally by developing the Twin Cities as an aviation center. The MAC owns and operates the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six reliever airports throughout the Twin Cities area.

Additional information about the Metropolitan Airports Commission can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

John Cunningham – Eagan, MN

Mineral Coordinating Committee

Industrial Minerals Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Replacing: Matt Bryan

Julie Lucas – Side Lake, MN

Mineral Coordinating Committee

Non-Ferrous Metallic Mineral Industry Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Replacing: Frank Ongaro

Kristen Vake – Chisholm, MN

Mineral Coordinating Committee

Iron Ore and Taconite Industry Representative

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Replacing: Kelsey Johnson

About the Mineral Coordinating Committee:

The Mineral Coordinating Committee plans for diversified mineral development of the state's mineral economy through long-term support of mineral exploration, evaluation, environmental research, development, production, and commercialization.

Additional information about the Mineral Coordinating Committee can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Dan Katzenberger – Eden Prairie, MN

Minnesota Environmental Quality Board

Public Member

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Benjamin Yawakie

About the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board:

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board includes the heads of nine state agencies and public board members from around the state. The board provides leadership and coordination across state agencies on priority environmental issues, serves as a locus for public engagement, and oversees the state’s Environmental Review program. The board carries out a diverse range of projects aimed at shaping environmental policy and programs and engaging Minnesotans.

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

Mary Falk – Anoka, MN

Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees

Member with Knowledge of Pensions

Effective: April 17, 2023

Term Expires: January 31, 2027

Reappointment

About the Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees:

The Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) provides retirement, survivor, and disability benefits for public employees of county and local government. PERA’s Board of Trustees manages the public employees’ retirement fund.

Additional information about the Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees 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.