Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that he has received the Adjutant General Search Committee's recommendations for the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard and will proceed in interviewing finalists. According to state law, the names of finalists become public information once interviews have been scheduled.

"From floods at home to armed conflict overseas, Minnesota's Adjutant General is critical to our state and national preparedness," said Governor Pawlenty. "I want to thank Chairman General John Vessey and the members of the search committee for the care and diligence they exercised in their evaluation of applicants. Minnesotans should feel comfortable that the next Adjutant General went through such a rigorous process."

The Governor announced that he has selected Major General Larry W. Shellito as a finalist for the position at this time. Other individuals have not yet been scheduled for interviews at this time.

Shellito, 58, of Alexandria, is a division commander with the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard, based out of Rosemount. He has over 35 years of military service, of which three years were on active duty. He was originally enlisted in the United States Army, and graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating in 1969. Shellito has an extensive list of active and non-active duty assignments. He has conducted missions related to homeland security, European security, Bosnia, and Kosovo. A highly decorated soldier, Shellito was promoted from Brigadier General to Major General three years ago.

Shellito's civilian occupation is as president of Alexandria Technical College, a position he has held since 1995. Prior to that, Shellito was dean of academic affairs, and has been with the college since 1972 in a variety of capacities, beginning as an instructor. Shellito holds a doctorate of education degree from the University of Minnesota and earned a master of science, bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degree from Moorhead State College.

The Adjutant General is the administrative head of the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs and is the leader of the Minnesota National Guard. The Minnesota National Guard is comprised of over 12,000 members who are citizen-soldiers and who assist the federal Army and Air Force during times of national emergencies and the citizens of Minnesota during emergencies at the direction of the Governor.

Members of the Adjutant General Search Committee who reviewed application materials for this vacancy were Karen Himle, General Warren Lawson, retired veterans affairs commissioner Bernie Melter, Gregg Peterson, Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, General John Vessey (chairman), and Colonel Donna Woelfel.