[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Council on Disability, the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, and the State Arts Board.

Brent Olson – Ortonville, MN
Council on Disability
Member
Effective: October 20, 2021
Term Expires: January 3, 2022
Replacing: Lauren Thompson 

About the Council on Disability:
The Council on Disability advises and aids the Governor, state agencies, and the public on policy and the administration of programs and services for people with disabilities in Minnesota. The Council works to empower all people with disabilities and expand opportunities and improve the quality of life for its constituencies.

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

Xinyi Qian– St. Paul, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
University of Minnesota Tourism Center Representative – Ex Officio Member
Effective: October 20, 2021
Term Expires: January 1, 2024
Replacing: Cynthia Messer

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.

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

Kamaria Kassim-Grigsby – Woodbury, MN
Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Member
Effective: October 20, 2021
Term Expires: March 31, 2022

About the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday:
The council, chaired by Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, guides efforts, provides insight and knowledge, and assists the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor in hosting a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Additional information about the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Emily Galusha – Minneapolis, MN
State Arts Board
Member
Effective: October 20, 2021
Term Expires: January 2, 2023
Replacing: Ardell Brede

About the State Arts Board:
The State Arts Board encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state through administering a series of grants, programs, and services.

Additional information about the State Arts Board 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.