ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the African American Health State Advisory Council, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, Board of Medical Practice, Board of Nursing, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, Governor’s Residence Council, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, Minnesota Board of Social Work, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Board on Aging, Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training, State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.

Abdou Manjang - Otsego, MN
African American Health State Advisory Council
Member
Effective: January 6, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Reappointment

About the African American Health State Advisory Council:
The African American Health State Advisory Council advises the commissioner of health on issues to develop specific, targeted policy solutions to improve the health of African American Minnesotans, with a focus on United States-born African Americans.?

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

Sarah Driever - Minneapolis, MN
Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Public Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy:
The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy regulates the practices of alcohol and drug counseling, professional counseling, and professional clinical counseling in Minnesota.?

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

Julie Pazdernik - Detroit Lakes, MN
Board of Medical Practice
Physician
Effective: January 4, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Board of Medical Practice:
The board licenses and registers physicians, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, genetic counselors, naturopathic doctors, and traditional midwives, and enforces the relevant practice acts.?

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

Patrick Soria - Lakeville, MN
Board of Nursing
Registered Nurse
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Board of Nursing:
The Board of Nursing oversees and ensures the safe practice of nursing in Minnesota, including credentialing, education, complaint resolution, and establishing practice standards.

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

Stephanie Burrage - Robbinsdale, MN
Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
Public Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training:
The Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training licenses peace officers, establishes minimum qualifications and standards of conduct, and regulates professional peace officer education and continuing education.????

Additional information about the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Jones VanHecke - Minneapolis, MN
Governor's Residence Council
Member - Higher Education Representative
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Governor’s Residence Council:
The Governor’s Residence Council is responsible for advising on the maintenance, decoration and furnishing of the Governor’s mansion. Additionally, the council oversees the restoration for the residence and the surrounding grounds and approves alterations to the existing structure.???

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

Brian Andrews - Brainerd, MN
Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee:
The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee is the supervisory board for the federal Juvenile Justice Program with respect to preparation and administration of the state plan and award of grants.?

Additional information about the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Katherine Driskell - Rochester, MN
Minnesota Board of Social Work
Licensed Social Worker
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

Joanne Kronstedt - Duluth, MN
Minnesota Board of Social Work
Public Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Minnesota Board of Social Work:
The Board of Social Work promotes and protects public health, safety, and welfare through the licensure and regulation of persons who practice social work in this state.

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

Angela Smith - New Hope, MN
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
Public Member - 5th Congressional District
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board:
The Environmental Quality Board advises the Governor and state legislature on environmental legislation and policy. Additionally, the board facilitates work among individuals, communities, and public and private organizations in the state to address environmental concerns.

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

Carol Bruess - Saint Joseph, MN
Minnesota State Arts Board
Member - Congressional District 6
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the Minnesota State Arts Board:
The Minnesota State Arts Board encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. It is dedicated to making the arts available to all Minnesotans. The development of the arts is fostered through a series of grants, programs, and services which are administered by a professional staff.

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

Linda Giersdorf - Mankato, MN
Minnesota Board on Aging
Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the MN Board on Aging:
The Minnesota Board on Aging develops, coordinates, evaluates, and administers federal and state funds for programs for the aging, makes grants to seven area agencies on aging and nonprofit agencies, and serves as an advocate for older persons.

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

Joseph Nayquonabe - Onamia, MN
Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service
Tribal Representative
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the MN Commission on National and Community Service:
The Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service, also known as ServeMN, provides grant funding, training, and technical assistance to nonprofits, government agencies, and schools that run AmeriCorps programs. The commission also pioneers strategic initiatives in a variety of impact areas to solve complex social problems.

Additional information about the MN Commission on National and Community Service can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Quennel Cooper - Eden Prairie, MN
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Principal
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board:
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is responsible for licensing teachers. The board evaluates candidates for compliance with statutory or rule requirements for licensure and develops licensure verification requirements.

Additional information about the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Laurie York - White Earth, MN
State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training
Public Member
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Reappointment

About the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training:
Created by legislation in 2023, the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training was established to direct the Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training which serves parents and children in the child legal welfare system. The board works cooperatively with the head appellate counsel to govern the office and provide fiscal oversight.

Additional information about the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Hannah Harriman - Stillwater, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Industry Representative
Effective: January 7, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Patrick Vellia - Minneapolis, MN
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
Deaf-blind Community Representative
Effective: January 21, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

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.

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.