[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Food Safety and Defense Task Force, Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council, and Technology Advisory Council.

Derick Davis – Woodbury, MN
Food Safety and Defense Task Force
Cybersecurity Representative
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: June 30, 2027
New Seat

Luke Meier – Mayer, MN
Food Safety and Defense Task Force
At-large Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: June 30, 2027
Replacing: Michelle Rossman

Erin Mertz – Eden Prairie, MN
Food Safety and Defense Task Force
Minnesota-based Manufacturer of Microbial Detection Equipment
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: June 30, 2027
Replacing: John Hilgren

About the Food Safety and Defense Task Force:
The Food Safety and Defense Task Force advises the commissioner of agriculture and the legislature on food issues and food safety.

Additional information about the Food Safety and Defense Task Force can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Heather Anderson – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Health Care Providers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Galen Benshoof – Saint Paul, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Government Employee Benefit Plans
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Rae Blaylark – Robbinsdale, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Rare Disease Advisory Council Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Kevin Brown – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Small Employers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Joel Farley – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Health Services Clinical Researcher Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Stefan Gildemeister – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing the Commissioner of Health, with Expertise in Health Economics
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Randall Hanna – Eagan, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Health Plan Companies
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Hubert Humphrey – Plymouth, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Pharmaceutical Wholesalers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Jessica Intermill – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Patients and Health Care Consumers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Dirk Killelea – Minneapolis, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Health Care Providers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Robert Miller – Prior Lake, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Patients and Health Care Consumers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Josh Ney – St. Louis Park, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
New Seat

Aaron Sapp – Woodbury, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Pharmacologist Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Hannah Thompson – Prior Lake, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Eric Tichy – Rochester, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Pharmaceutical Distributors
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Gary Wertish – Renville, MN
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council
Member Representing Large Employers
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

About the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council:
The Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council advises the Prescription Drug Affordability Board on drug cost issues.

Additional information about the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Shireen Gandhi – Saint Paul, MN
Technology Advisory Council
State Agency Business Planning Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Rick King – Eden Prairie, MN
Technology Advisory Council
Private Business Representative
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Timothy Lynaugh – Saint Paul, MN
Technology Advisory Council
State Agency Business Planning Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Katie Smith – Little Canada, MN
Technology Advisory Council
State Agency Business Planning Member
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Axelina Swenson – Saint Paul, MN
Technology Advisory Council
Representative of a Union Representing State IT Employees
Effective: February 14, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Kassie Church

About the Technology Advisory Council:
The Technology Advisory Council advises the state on the development and implementation of IT in private and public institutions.

Additional information about the Technology Advisory Council 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.