Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Melodie Rose and Michael Vekich to the Board of Accountancy.

Rose, of Maple Grove, is an attorney with the Minneapolis law firm of Fredrikson and Byron and chairs its securities group. Her practice focuses on securities, corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, investment company and adviser regulation, wealth management, venture capital matters and broker/dealer compliance. Rose earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School and her bachelor of arts degree in management and accounting from the University of North Dakota. Rose replaces Jacqueline Pausch as a public member to complete a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

Vekich, of St. Louis Park, is the chief executive officer of Vekich Associates. He was the founder of the Accounting Aid Society, previously served on the Board of Accountancy, and is active in a number of professional associations. Vekich recently served as acting director of the Minnesota State Lottery and is a past chair of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board of Trustees. Vekich earned his bachelor of arts in accounting and business administration from the University of Minnesota -- Duluth. Vekich replaces Thomas Alagna as a certified public accountant member for a four-year term that expires on January 5, 2009.

The Board of Accountancy examines, licenses and regulates certified public accountants. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.