Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Frank Ahrens, II, Heather Johnston and Judge Kenneth Maas to the Investment Advisory Council. All three are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 1, 2007.

Ahrens, of Mound, is the director of the Office of Fiscal and Administrative Services with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Ahrens replaces Han Chin Liu as a public employee member.

Johnston, of Inver Grove Heights, is a senior executive budget officer in the Budget Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Finance. Johnston replaces Mary Stanton as a public employee member.

Maas, of Birchwood Village, retired last year after serving as a district court judge in the Tenth Judicial District for over 22 years. Maas replaces Elaine Voss as a retiree member.

The Investment Advisory Council advises the State Board of Investment on policy relating to investments of state funds. The council consists of 17 members, including three appointed by the Governor.