Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Jack Bender to the Minnesota Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (MCDHH).

Jack Bender, of Duluth, graduated from the Minnesota School for the Deaf in 1953.  He worked 42 years as a Teamsters Union truck driver and heavy equipment operator.  Bender also served in leadership positions in Teamsters local 346.  He retired in 1996. 

Bender currently serves as an AARP volunteer and as a member of the northeast advisory council for the state deaf and hard of hearing agency.  He is appointed to the Commission seat for a representative of the northeast advisory council and will serve a term which ends January 7, 2008.  Bender fills the seat formerly held by Brian Farrell. 

The Minnesota Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (MCDHH) serves as the principal state agency advocating on behalf of deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing Minnesotans and working to ensure they have equal access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to others.  The Commission is made up of 15 members appointed by the Governor.