[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota.

Jakub Tolar – Minneapolis, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member Representing the University of Minnesota

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Penny Wheeler – Minneapolis, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member Representing the University of Minnesota

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

David Herman – Duluth, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Delivering Primary Care or Care in Rural Areas

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Meghan Walsh – West Saint Paul, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Delivering Primary Care or Care in Rural Areas

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Pahoua Hoffman – Minneapolis, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Health Disparities and Health Equity, particularly as they Relate to Health Professions Education and Access to Health Care

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Julia Joseph-Di Caprio – Saint Paul, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Health Disparities and Health Equity, particularly as they Relate to Health Professions Education and Access to Health Care

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Brenda Hilbrich – Saint Paul, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Health Professions Education and Health Care Workforce Issues

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Connie Delaney – Edina, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Health Professions Education and Health Care Workforce Issues

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Barbara Joers – South Saint Paul, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Hospital or Health System Finances, State or Federal Health Care Reimbursement Issues, Health Care Spending, or Health Economics

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

Vance Opperman – Minneapolis, MN

Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Member with Expertise in Hospital or Health System Finances, State or Federal Health Care Reimbursement Issues, Health Care Spending, or Health Economics

Effective: September 26, 2023

Term Expires: June 1, 2024

New Seat

In addition, the Senate has appointed Senator Melissa Wiklund and the House has appointed Representative Tina Liebling to the task force.

Finally, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor announced that former Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Pawlenty will serve as special advisors for the task force.

About the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

The task force, chaired by former Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm, will focus primarily on the University of Minnesota’s health workforce training mission and will develop recommendations to support world class health professions education and training that advances equity, centers primary care, and ensures that Minnesotans can continue to receive the highest quality care in a financially sustainable way.

Additional information about the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health 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.