[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine, Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education, Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250, Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations, Minnesota Racing Commission, and the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. 

Saudade Sammuelson – MN
Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine 
Individual Currently Receiving Disability Waiver Services Who Are Under Age 65 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: January 3, 2028

About the Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine: 
The Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine will conduct public meetings, gather input, and make recommendations on various aspects of the Waiver Reimagine program, such as waiver consolidation, budget methodologies, service criteria, and potential consequences of the program changes. 

Additional information about the Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine can be found on the Secretary of State's website.  

Kimberly Baker – Lakeville, MN 
Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education
Member with Expertise in Special Education Program Administration 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: October 2, 2026

About the Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education: 
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education advises and assists the legislature and governor in transforming special education services.  

Additional information about the Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education can be found on the Secretary of State's website.  

Kirsten Wittmann – Waubun, MN
Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member #1 
Effective: November 12, 2025
Term Expires: December 31, 2026

About the Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250:
The Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250 coordinates Minnesota America 250 activities to ensure that all Minnesotans have opportunities to learn about our complex and inspiring past. 

Additional information on the Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250 can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Amanda Duerr – Mendota Heights, MN 
Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles 
Member #6 
Effective: November 12, 2025
Term Expires: April 4, 2027

Dillon Fried – Minneapolis, MN 
Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles
Member #11
Effective: November 12, 2025
Term Expires: April 4, 2027

About the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles:
The Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles studies and prepares for the opportunities and challenges associated with the widespread adoption of connected and automated vehicles and other transportation technologies. The Council reviews connected and automated vehicle developments and trends, explores partnership opportunities, proposes policies to safely test and deploy connected and automated vehicles, and consults with communities experiencing transportation barriers not represented on the Council. 

Additional information about the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Kathy Cottew – Brainerd, MN
Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations 
Business, Industry, and Labor - Health Occupations Representative 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: January 1, 2029

Jeffrey Schneider – Moorhead, MN 
Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations
Business, Industry, and Labor - Technical/Industrial Representative 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: January 3, 2028

Danette Seboe – Duluth, MN 
Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations
Middle School Administrator 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: January 5, 2026

About the Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations:
The Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations promotes and supports career and technical student organizations as they work to provide student opportunities for leadership, personal development, community service, and career preparation.

Additional information about the Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Lisa Goodman – Minneapolis, MN 
Minnesota Racing Commission
Member #6 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: June 30, 2031

Whitney Place – Minneapolis, MN 
Minnesota Racing Commission
Member #7 
Effective: November 12, 2025 
Term Expires: June 30, 2031

Michael Vekich – Minneapolis, MN 
Minnesota Racing Commission
Member #8 
Effective: November 12, 2025
Term Expires: June 30, 2031

About the Minnesota Racing Commission: 
The Minnesota Racing Commission operates in the public interest to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing, oversees the proper distribution of funds back into the industry, and ensures the safety and welfare of the human and equine participants.

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

Garret Zayic – Chaska, MN 
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities 
Parent Member #7 
Effective: November 12, 2025
Term Expires: January 5, 2026

About the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities carries out responsibilities outlined in P.L. 106-402 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports and services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion in the community. 

Additional information about the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities 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.