On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
2/3/2023 8:24:07 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Rural Health Advisory Committee, State Board of Public Defense, and State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.
Nancy Daubenberger – St. Paul, MN
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
Chair
Effective: February 3, 2023
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Reappointment
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 .
Seth Huiras – Montgomery, MN
Rural Health Advisory Committee
Licensed Dentist
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 6, 2025
New Seat
About the Rural Health Advisory Committee:
The Rural Health Advisory Committee advises the Minnesota Department of Health and other state agencies on rural health issues.
Additional information about the Rural Health Advisory Committee can be found on the Secretary of State’s website .
Carl Crawford – Proctor, MN
State Board of Public Defense
Public Member
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Replacing: Elizer Darris
About the State Board of Public Defense:
The State Board of Public Defense is a Judicial Branch Agency whose mission is to provide excellent criminal and juvenile legal defense services to indigent clients through an independent, responsible, and efficient public defender system.
Additional information about the State Board of Public Defense can be found on the Secretary of State’s website .
Samantha Flax – Minneapolis, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Advocate Member
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 1, 2024
Replacing: Mohamed Mohamed
Ryan Haenze – Stillwater, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Client Assistance Program Representative
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 6, 2025
Replacing: Kristina Petronko
Robert Hobson Jr. – Maplewood, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Member
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 6, 2025
Replacing: Jessica Fordyce
Kristin Oien – Minneapolis, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Minnesota Department of Education Representative
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
Replacing: Carolyn Cherry
Jennifer Points – Stacy, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Business, Industry, and Labor Representative
Effective: February 8, 2023
Term Expires: January 5, 2026
Replacing: Mary Thompson
About the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind:
The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind advises the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development about programs of state services for the blind and performs other functions as provided in state and federal statute.
Additional information about the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind 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.
