Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Francisco J. Gonzalez to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC).

Gonzalez, of St. Peter, is the diversity trainer and investigator for South Central Technical College, Riverland Community College, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, and Rochester Community and Technical College.  He has also served as an adjunct faculty for Minnesota State University-Mankato in the ethnic studies department, was an attorney with the Somsen, Mueller, Lowther and Franta law firm, the Fifth Judicial District public defender's office, and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and was a bilingual financial assistance specialist with Blue Earth County Human Services.  Gonzalez has also been a court and police interpreter in Mankato and Waseca.  Gonzalez replaces Anne Christensen to complete a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

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.