[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Animal Health, Board of Dentistry, Board of Psychology, and Explore Minnesota Tourism Council.

Peggy Anne Hawkins – Northfield, MN 
Board of Animal Health
Licensed Veterinarian
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Board of Animal Health:
The Board of Animal Health carries out disease control programs for livestock and poultry by inspecting and testing animals for diseases specified by control and eradication programs and maintains surveillance for specific diseases deemed to be catastrophic or adversely affecting the state’s livestock or human health.

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

Samuel Ankrah – Woodbury, MN
Board of Dentistry
Public Member
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Ruth Dahl

Ashley Johnson – Brooklyn Park, MN
Board of Dentistry
Dentist
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Board of Dentistry:
The Board of Dentistry examines, licenses, and regulates dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants and enforces the Minnesota Dental Practices Act.

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

Pamela Freske – Minneapolis, MN
Board of Psychology
Master's Degree Licensed Psychologist
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Jack Rusinoff

Daniel Hurley – Saint Paul, MN
Board of Psychology
Doctoral Training Program Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Robin McLeod

Sonal Markanda – Shakopee, MN
Board of Psychology
Doctoral Level Licensed Psychologist
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Board of Psychology:
The Board of Psychology examines and licenses qualified individuals, establishes license fees, creates and enforces ethical requirements, establishes and approves continuing education programs, educates the public, and facilitates consumer complaints.

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

Bob Bierscheid – Roseville, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Trails or Trail Association Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Ashlee Ciora – Medina, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Golf Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Stephen Dowling

Justin Graddy – Northfield, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Travel Media Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Cynthya Porter

Edward Hoffman – Winona, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Southern Minnesota Tourism Region
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Marianna Khauv – Monticello, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Lodging Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Paul Larsen – Rochester, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Tour Operator
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Laura Mullen – Duluth, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Craft Beverage Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Mike Schwieters – Crosslake, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Resorts Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Tracy Boldt

Kate Setley – Saint Paul, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Convention Facility Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Replacing: Alison Fogarty

Colleen Smith – Duluth, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Tourism Business Owners Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Sara Soli – Ham Lake, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Sports Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Cheyanne St. John – Morton, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Tribal Nations Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Laurie Staiger – Woodbury, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Chamber of Commerce Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Maureen Scallen Failor

Heidi Swank – Mendota Heights, MN
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Arts and Culture Representative
Effective: February 28, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

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.

Additional information about the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council 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.