[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Electricity; the State Advisory Council on Mental Health; the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency; the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice; the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority; the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind; the Board of Optometry; the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board; the Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; the Minnesota Forest Resources Council; the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council; the Board of Dentistry; the Board of Firefighter Training and Education; the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design; the Board of Social Work; the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority; the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage; the Board of Pharmacy; and the Rural Health Advisory Committee.

Desiree Weigel - Blaine, MN

Electrical Inspector

Board of Electricity

Effective: July 1, 2020

Expires: December 31, 2023

Replacing: Scott Novotny

About the Board of Electricity:

The Board of Electricity adopts rules to regulate electrical businesses and individual licenses and the National Electrical Code.

More information on the Board of Electricity can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Representative Dave Lislegard - Aurora, MN

State Representative

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Representative Robert Barrett

Amanda Larson - Elk River, MN

Representative of Family Members

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Steve Hansberry

Angela Batrolomeo - Alexandria, MN

Representative of Family Members

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Melissa Balitz

Amy Jones - Shoreview, MN

Representative of Family Members

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Amoke Kubat

Al Levin - Minneapolis, MN

Representative of Consumers

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Jode Freyholtz-London

Robert Bosl - Avon, MN

Family Physician Representative

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Allison Stolz

Rodney Peterson - Kasson, MN

Representative of Rural County Commissioners

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Kenneth Moorman

Ashwak Hassan - Columbia Heights, MN

Marriage and Family Therapist

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Stephen Palmer

Mary Kjolsing - Willmar, MN

Representative of Parents

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Beth Prewett - Grand Rapids, MN

Representative of Professional Clinical Counselors

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Emmanuel Oppong

David Nathan - St. Paul, MN

Representative of Psychologists

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Ken Ujifusa

Claudette Larson - New London, MN

Representative of Social Workers

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Danielle Lien

About the State Advisory Council on Mental Health:

The State Advisory Council on Mental Health is charged with making recommendations to the governor, Legislature and state departments on mental health policies, programs and services.

More information on the State Advisory Council on Mental Health can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Terri Thao - St. Paul, MN

Member

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

John DeCramer - Marshall, MN

Member

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Stephen Spears - Plymouth, MN

Member

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 3, 2022

Replacing: Nawal Noor

About the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency:

Minnesota Housing collaborates with individuals, communities, and partners to create, preserve and finance affordable housing.

More information on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Stephanie Smith - Ham Lake, MN

Occupational Therapist

Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Ann Clark

About the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice:

The Board of Occupational Therapy protects the public through effective licensure and enforcement of the statutes and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy to ensure a reasonable standard of competent and ethical practice.

More information on the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Mary Ives - Grand Rapids, MN

Public Member

Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority:

The Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority assists institutions of higher education in the construction, financing and refinancing of projects.

More information on the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Gloria LaFriniere - Naytahwaush, MN

Director of American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Program

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Reappointment

Carolyn Cherry - St. Paul, MN

Minnesota Department of Education Representative

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Reappointment

Jeffrey Thompson - Fridley, MN

Recipient of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Representative

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Reappointment

Deborah Leuchovius - St. Paul, MN

Parent Training Center Representative

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Barb Ziemke

Daniel Ashman - Minneapolis, MN

Representative of Community Rehabilitation Program Service Providers

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Brian Dulude

About the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind:

The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind gives advice and recommendations to the State Services for the Blind (SSB) program about services and products offered through the Communication Center.

More information on the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Tina McCarty - Medina, MN

Licensed Optometrist

Board of Optometry

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Don Sipola

About the Board of Optometry:

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

More information on the Board of Optometry can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Aaron Burnett - St. Paul, MN

Emergency Physician

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Paula Kocken - Minneapolis, MN

Pediatrician Representative

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Amber Lage - Isanti, MN

Professional Firefighter Member

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Elizabeth Consie

Scott Saehr - Pierz, MN

Volunteer Firefighter Member

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Steve DuChien

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.

More information on the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Emmanuel Oppong - St. Cloud, MN

Representative of Psychology

Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Reappointment

About the Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities:

The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and DevelopmentalDisabilities advises and assists the ombudsman in developing policies, plans and programs to benefit persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, chemical dependence and emotional disturbance.

More information on the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Michael Kilgore - Lino Lakes, MN

Research and Higher Education Representative

Minnesota Forest Resources Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Alan Ek

Kim Berns Melhus - Hugo, MN

Enviornmental Organization and Higher Education Representative

Minnesota Forest Resources Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Susan Solterman-Audette

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.

Paul Larsen - Rochester, MN

Tour Operators Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Tracy Boldt - Marcell, MN

Resorts Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Carolyn Aarsvold

Marianna Khauv - Monticello, MN

Lodging Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Nicholas Leonard - Fergus Falls, MN

County Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Anna Tanski - Duluth, MN

Convention and Visitors Bureau Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Anna Thill

Alison Fogarty - Prior Lake, MN

Convention Facilities Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Anna Tanski

Charles Dougherty - Stillwater, MN

Bed & Breakfast Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Stephen Dowling - Lakeville, MN

Golf Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: John Valliere

Bob Bierscheid - Roseville, MN

Trails Representative

Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Emmett Mullin

About the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council:

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council serves the broader interests of tourism in Minnesota by promoting activities that support, maintain, and expand the state's domestic and international travel market, thereby generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenue and employment.

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

Ashley Johnson - Eden Prairie, MN

Dentist Member

Board of Dentistry

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Carl Ebert

Kelly Robledo - St. Anthony, MN

Public Member

Board of Dentistry

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: John Manahan

Ruth Dahl - Northfield, MN

Public Member

Board of Dentistry

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Reappointment

About the Board of Dentistry:

The Board of Dentistry examines, licenses and regulates dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants and enforces the Minnesota Dental Practices Act.

More information on the Board of Dentistry can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Chris Ford - Rochester, MN

Representative of the Minnesota Firefighters Association

Board of Firefighter Training and Education

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the Board of Firefighter Training and Education:

The Board of Firefighter Training and Education supports firefighter training and education and works to fund standardized training and through licensing of the firefighters in Minnesota.

More information on the Board of Firefighter Training and Education can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Erica Larson - Sunfish Lake, MN

Interior Design Member

Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design

Effective: June 17, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Darcy Hield

Margaret Parsons - Minneapolis, MN

Architect Member

Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design

Effective: June 17, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Reappointment

Paul Vogel - Duluth, MN

Land Surveryor Member

Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design

Effective: June 17, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design:

The Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design licenses and regulates architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, geologists, soil scientists, and certifies interior designers.

More information on the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Lori Thompson - Brainerd, MN

Licensed Social Worker

Board of Social Work

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Pa Der Vang - St. Paul, MN

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Board of Social Work

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Kate Goodman - St. Paul, MN

Licensed Graduate Social Worker

Board of Social Work

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Jill Grover

About the Board of Social Work:

The Board of Social Work’s duties include promoting and protecting the public health, safety, and welfare through the licensure and regulation of persons who practice social work in this state.

More information on the Board of Social Work can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Anthony Sertich - Hermantown, MN

Member

Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: December 31, 2023

Reappointment

About the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority:

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority controls, operates, and has the responsibility over the professional football stadium constructed under this chapter and any other sports facility constructed or acquired by the authority.

More information on the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Andre Dukes - Brooklyn Park, MN

Member

Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Olivia Jefferson

Alfreda Daniels - Brooklyn Center, MN

Member

Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Fatima Lawson

About the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage:

The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage advises the Governor and the legislature on issues confronting the constituency of the council, legislative changes needed to improve the economic and social condition of the constituency of the council, implications and effect of proposed administrative and legislative changes on the constituency of the council.

More information on the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Kendra Metz - Moose Lake, MN

Licensed Pharmacist

Board of Pharmacy

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Joseph Stanek

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.

More information on the Board of Pharmacy can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Keith Stelter – St. Peter, MN

Physician Member

Rural Health Advisory Committee

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: January 1, 2024

Replacing: Daron Gersch

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.

Nichole Villavicencio - Maplewood, MN

Acting Chair

Council on Disability

Effective: June 16, 2020

Expires: November 18, 2020

Reappointment

About the Council on Disability:

The Council on Disability works to empower and strengthen the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities by collaborating with the public and private sectors as a policy and technical resource advisor.

More information on the Council on Disability can be found on the Secretary of State's website.