[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the State Rehabilitation Council, and the Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder.

Michele Isham – Sartell, MN

Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing

East Central Advisory Committee Representative

Effective: August 3, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing:

The Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing serves as the principal agency of the State to advocate on behalf of the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Minnesotans by working to ensure those persons have equal access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to others.

Additional information about the Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Tory Schalkle – Wayzata, MN

Governor’s Workforce Development Board

Business Representative

Effective: August 3, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2025

Replacing: Len Bakken

About the Governor's Workforce Development Board:

The Governor’s Workforce Development Board, or GWDB, is Minnesota’s federally required state workforce development board under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The GWDB is tasked with advising the Governor, state agencies, and the Legislature on issues related to the state’s public workforce development system, along with overseeing the state’s four-year WIOA State Plan.

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

Karen Leddy – Mound, MN

State Rehabilitation Council

Business, Industry, and Labor Representative

Effective: August 3, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

Tyler Sadek – Minneapolis, MN

State Rehabilitation Council

Business, Industry, and Labor Representative

Effective: August 3, 2021

Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Reappointment

About the State Rehabilitation Council:

The State Rehabilitation Council’s duties include guiding decisions about Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), coordinating between VRS and centers for independent living and other state councils with interest in issues pertaining to disability and employment, and reporting to the Governor and the U.S. Department of Education on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs.

Additional information about the State Rehabilitation Council can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Toni Cater – Lakeville, MN

Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder

Impacted Person Directly Related to a Person who has Been Convicted of Felony Murder

Effective: July 29, 2021

Term Expires: January 16, 2022

Perry Moriearty – Minneapolis, MN

Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder

Person with Expertise Regarding the Laws and Practices of Other States Relating to Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder

Effective: July 29, 2021

Term Expires: January 16, 2022

About the Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder:

The Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder is established to collect and analyze data on the charging, convicting, and sentencing of people for aiding and abetting felony murder; assess whether current laws and practices promote public safety and equity in sentencing; and make recommendations to the legislature.

Additional information about the Task Force on Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder 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.