ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Optometry, Cannabis Advisory Council, Governor’s Committee on Minnesota America 250, and Minnesota Zoological Board.

George Bruehl – Stillwater, MN
Board of Optometry
Public Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Shari Koll

Tina McCarty – Medina, MN
Board of Optometry
Optometrist
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

About the Board of Optometry:
The Board of Optometry licenses optometrists, adopts rules, and investigates complaints.

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

Jeremy Drucker – Saint Paul, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Patient advocate with experience in the mental health system or substance use disorder treatment program
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Eric King – Minneapolis, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Expert in economic development strategies for under-resourced communities
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Jamal Knight – Golden Valley, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Expert in minority business ownership
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Carol Moss – Edina, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Expert in women-owned businesses
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

Diana Tastad-Damer – South Saint Paul, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Expert representing the interests of cannabis workers
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
New Seat

Dana Thompson – Minneapolis, MN
Cannabis Advisory Council
Expert in minority business development
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
New Seat

About the Cannabis Advisory Council:
The Cannabis Advisory Council reviews national cannabis policy, examines the effectiveness of state cannabis policy, reviews developments in the cannabis industry and hemp consumer industry, reviews developments in the study of cannabis flower and other items, takes public testimony, and makes recommendations to the Office of Cannabis Management.

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

Francisco Gonzalez – Cottage Grove, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Molly Huber – Minneapolis, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Elliot James – Morris, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Briana Joyner – Farmington, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Co-Chair
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Jeffery Kolnick – Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Carla Manzoni – Minneapolis, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Wendy Peterson-Biorn – Rockford, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Emily Thabes – Bagley, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

Bill Von Bank – Prior Lake, MN
Governor's Committee on Minnesota America 250
Co-Chair
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
New Seat

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

Rebecca Crooks-Stratton – Prior Lake, MN
Minnesota Zoological Board
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Reappointment

Angela Dean – Rosemount, MN
Minnesota Zoological Board
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Charlene Briner

Randall Knutson – Mankato, MN
Minnesota Zoological Board
Member
Effective: May 1, 2024
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
Replacing: Robert Marlotte

About the Minnesota Zoological Board:
The Minnesota Zoological Board supervises and controls the Minnesota Zoological Garden.

Additional information about the Minnesota Zoological Board 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.