Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of John J. McDonald, Jr., and Donald P. Monaco; and the reappointment of Lisa Lebedoff Peilen, Andy Westerberg, and John M. Williams, DDS, to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). All five are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 7, 2013.

McDonald, of Mendota Heights, is an attorney and partner with the Minneapolis Law firm of Meagher and Geer, where he practices in commercial litigation, employment practices, insurance and professional liability. He also serves on the firm’s management committee. McDonald holds a law degree from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. In addition to a number of professional memberships, he is a member of the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection, and president of the St. Thomas Academy Fathers’ Club. McDonald replaces Tom Foley as a member of the MAC residing in MAC District G.

Monaco, of Duluth, owns Monaco Air Duluth, LLC, a full-service, fixed-base operator at the Duluth International Airport that provides services to airlines, military, and general aviation customers. Previously, he spent 28 years as an international information technology and business management consultant with Accenture. He holds commercial pilot, advanced ground instructor, and instrument ground instructor certifications. Monaco earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science engineering from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He is also a member of the Lake Superior College’s Center for Advance Aviation Steering Committee, the Duluth Workforce Council, and the Miller-Dwan Foundation Board of Directors. Monaco replaces Robert Mars, Jr. on the MAC as a member representing Intermediate Airport Systems.

Peilen, of St. Louis Park, is the director of municipal affairs with the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association. Previously, she has held positions in government relations with First Bank System (now U.S. Bank), the corporate planning department at General Mills, and was Minnesota State Tourism Director. Her community activities have included serving on the boards of Conservation Minnesota (formerly known as the Minnesota League of Conservation Voters), Hennepin County Library Foundation, Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Three Rivers Park Reserve District, Children’s Health Care Foundation, and president of the Smith College Club of Minnesota. Peilen, who has been a member of the MAC since 2007, is reappointed as a member residing in MAC District C.

Westerberg, of Blaine, owns a Famers Insurance agency in Coon Rapids. He served four terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Westerberg is past president of the North-Metro Association of Life Underwriters, and past director of the Fellowship of Christian Golfers. He has also served on the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, Blaine Budget Committee, Metro-North Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, has been a volunteer firefighter, civil air patrol, and has been active in the Way of the Lord Church in Blaine. Westerberg, who has been a member of the MAC since 2007, is reappointed as a member residing in MAC District E.

Williams, of Minneapolis, has practiced dentistry in North Minneapolis for 29 years. He earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Williams also completed a forensic dental fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at the San Antonio Dental School, and was deployed by D-MORT to New York after the World Trade Center attacks to serve as a forensic dentist. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Society of Forensic Odontology, where he served as president of the Board of Governors in 2007; and is a co-founder of PANDA (Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness). Williams was a professional football player in the NFL for 12 years, and played in three Super Bowls, including the 1971 World Champion Baltimore Colts. Williams, who has been a member of the MAC since 2002, is reappointed as a member residing in MAC District D.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission promotes air transportation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally by developing the Twin Cities metropolitan area as an aviation center. The commission consists of 15 members, including 13 appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the mayor of Minneapolis, and one appointed by the mayor of St. Paul.