Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Steven Jacobson and Coralmae Stenstrom to the Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.

Steven Jacobson, of Edina, has been employed with the 3M Company since 1976. He currently holds the position of Lead Computer Analyst. Jacobson is a graduate of the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind and received a B.A. in Mathematics from Augsburg College. He is appointed to a Council position for a current or former applicant or recipient of vocational rehabilitation services. Jacobson will serve a three-year term which ends January 7, 2008. He replaces Walter Hinz on the Council. Hinz could not reapply due to term limits on Council service.

Coralmae Stenstrom, of New Brighton, is a retired nurse. She spent the majority of her nursing career in Illinois, including 28 years at Forest Hospital in Des Plaines, Illinois. Stenstrom is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Blind of Minnesota. She is appointed to a Council position for a representative of a disability advocacy group (the United Blind of Minnesota). Stenstrom will serve a term which ends January 2, 2006. She fills the Council seat formerly held by Merle Ford.

The Rehabilitation Council for the Blind gives advice and recommendations to State Services for the Blind and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development concerning products and services for the blind. The Council consists of eighteen members appointed by the Governor, as well as an ex-officio member from the State Services for the Blind.