[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council, Board of the Minnesota State Academies, Midwestern Higher Education Compact, Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, State Advisory Council on Mental Health, Technology Advisory Council, and Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group.

Lonnie Spokely – Sabin, MN

Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council

Potato Wash Plant Representative

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

About the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council:

The Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council promotes Minnesota-grown Irish potatoes by providing grants for research and advertising.

Additional information about the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Sara Pratt – Dundas, MN

Board of the Minnesota State Academies

Special Education Director Member

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Nicole Halabi

About the Board of the Minnesota State Academies:

The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state academies for the Deaf and Blind.

Additional information about the Board of the Minnesota State Academies can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Rachel Croson – Minneapolis, MN

Midwestern Higher Education Compact

At-Large Member

Effective: September 1, 2023

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Replacing: Michael Goh

Scott Olson – Saint Paul, MN

Midwestern Higher Education Compact

At-Large Member - Higher Education

Effective: September 1, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Devinder Maholtra

About the Midwestern Higher Education Compact:

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact strengthens postsecondary education in member states through cost-savings initiatives and policy solutions.

Additional information about the Midwestern Higher Education Compact can be found here.

Chris Crutchfield – Saint Paul, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Treatment or Rehabilitative Service Provider for Individuals Convicted of Felony Offenses

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

Richard Frase – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Academic with Background in Criminal Justice or Corrections

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

Kyra Ladd – Wadena, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

County Attorney

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Timothy Morin – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Public Member - Convicted and Discharged from a Felony-Level Sentence

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

Cathryn Middlebrook – Saint Paul, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Public Defender

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Kelly Mitchell – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Chair

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Brooke Morath – Plainview, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Public Member - Felony Crime Victim or Victim Advocate

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

Brian Mueller – Stillwater, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Peace Officer

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Mohamoud Ibrahim

Latonya Reeves – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Probation or Supervised Release Officer

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

Surya Saxena – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Public Member

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Kelly Mitchell

About the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission:

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission establishes the sentencing guidelines that district courts apply at felony sentencing hearings, conducts related research and analysis, and advises the legislature.

Additional information about the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Jessica Gourneau – Maplewood, MN

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council Representative

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

New Seat

Jennifer Springer – Edina, MN

State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Consumer Member

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Reappointment

About the State Advisory Council on Mental Health:

The State Advisory Council on Mental Health is charged with advising the Governor and state agencies on policy, programs, and services affecting people with mental illness as well as educating the public about mental health.

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

Evan Rowe – Saint Paul, MN

Technology Advisory Council

State Agency Business Planning - Member

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 4, 2027

Replacing: Steve Grove

About the Technology Advisory Council:

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

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

Stacy Tepper – Minneapolis, MN

Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group

Health Care Professional with Expertise in Veterans’ Health Care

Effective: September 6, 2023

Term Expires: January 15, 2024

New Seat

About the Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group:

The Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group reviews and analyzes the acuity of veteran domiciliary residents and the current care model, including admission, care plans, and day-to-day care, and the current staffing structure and ratios.

Additional information about the Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group 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.