[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Governor’s Council on Freight Rail, Occupational Safety and Health Review Board, State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and Technology Advisory Council.

Jody Grote – Richfield, MN
Board of Veterinary Medicine
Public Member
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Kathleen Jost – Morris, MN
Board of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarian Member
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Christopher Powers

About the Board of Veterinary Medicine:
The Board of Veterinary Medicine licenses and regulates veterinarians, registers veterinary corporations, and investigates complaints against veterinarians and unlicensed persons practicing veterinary medicine.

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

Nicholas Katich – Duluth, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Member Representing Labor Unions
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: April 4, 2027
New Seat

Joel Mueller – Mankato, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Member Representing Labor Unions
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: April 4, 2027
New Seat

About the Governor’s Council on Freight Rail:
The Governor’s Council on Freight Rail creates recommendations for actions needed to improve freight rail operations in Minnesota.

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

Robert Sogla – Andover, MN
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Labor Member
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Occupational Safety and Health Review Board:
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Board reviews and decides appeals from final decisions and orders of the commissioner, including decisions issued by administrative law judges, petitions to vacate final orders of the commissioner, and with the agreement of the parties, may review and decide petitions for decisions based on stipulated facts.

Additional information about the Occupational Safety and Health Review Board can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Jeff Mihelich – Minneapolis, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Representative of American Council of the Blind
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Replacing: Catalina Martinez

Patrick Vellia – Minneapolis, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Deaf-Blind Community Representative
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 6, 2025
Replacing: Trevor Turner

About the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind:
The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind advises the commissioner 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.

Rick King – Eden Prairie, MN
Technology Advisory Council
Chair
Effective: March 20, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Technology Advisory Council:
The Technology Advisory Council is made up of experts on development and implementation of IT in private and public institutions. The council provides advice on how to update and maintain the State's IT systems to ensure that Minnesota residents and businesses who interact with the state receive the best possible service and advises on the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars invested in IT projects, while keeping government data secure and protecting the State against cybersecurity threats.

Additional information about the Technology Advisory 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.