Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Peter Aurich, Scott Ferguson, Richard Gardell and Reno Wells and the reappointment of Anne Christensen to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC).

Aurich, of Woodbury, is a development outreach coordinator with the Center of the American Experiment.  Aurich replaces Sarah Anderson as a youth member to complete a four-year term that expires on January 5, 2004.

Christensen, of Madelia, is the Watonwan County Court Administrator and was recently elected secretary/treasurer of the National Coalition for Juvenile Justice.  Christensen, who has been a member of the JJAC since 1996, is reappointed to another four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

Ferguson, of Alexandria, is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota and is involved in a number of student and community organizations.   Ferguson replaces Rachel Larson as a youth member for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

Gardell, of St. Paul, is an assistant St. Paul Police Chief and previously served on the JJAC, during which time he was elected national chairman (in 1988) of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice.  Gardell replaces Gary Johnson as a representative of law enforcement for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

Wells, of Hackensack, is the director of probation and a Cass County probation officer.  He is also an elected township supervisor for Turtle Lake and is currently chairman of the town board.  Wells replaces Barbara Swanson on the JJAC for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.  He will hold the position for a representative of local-elected officials on the committee.

In addition, Governor Pawlenty appointed Michael Mayer chairman of the JJAC.   Mayer, of Eagan, is an attorney with the Eagan law firm of Grannis and Hauge.  He is currently vice chair of the committee and has been a member of JJAC since 1995.  Mayer replaces Swanson as chair.

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee awards grants and carries out the state plan of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.  The committee consists of 18 members appointed by the Governor.