Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Sandy Layman to the Board of Directors of the Center for Rural Policy and Development. 

"Sandy Layman's background in organizational management and rural economic development will be a great asset to the Center," Governor Pawlenty said.  Layman currently serves as the state's Commissioner of Iron Range Resources.  She was appointed to this cabinet-level agency by Gov. Pawlenty in April 2003. 

"I am honored by the appointment and excited for the opportunity to work for all of Greater Minnesota," said Commissioner Layman.  "We strive to be one Minnesota, not a group of regions.  We need to work hard to ensure that all Minnesotans share in our economic success."

Layman brings a strong, 20-year background in organizational management, community leadership and economic development to Iron Range Resources.  Her previous experience includes serving as president of the Itasca Development Corporation and president of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Prior to accepting the top post at Iron Range Resources, Layman served two terms as Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum's appointee to the Iron Range Resources Board. 

In addition to her work at the Iron Range Resources, Layman is actively involved in rural community development through service on the boards of the Blandin Foundation, the University of Minnesota Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute and membership in a statewide public/private initiative known as the Regional Economic Development Group. 

Layman received a B.A. in organizational management and communications from Concordia University in St. Paul and has completed graduate work towards a M.B.A. at the University of St. Thomas.  She and her husband live in Cohasset and have two adult children. 

Layman is appointed to a board position for a representative of rural regional government and will serve a six-year term which ends January 3, 2011.  She fills the board seat formerly held by Sherron Reilly.

The Center for Rural Policy and Development, based in St. Peter, Minnesota, is a not-for-profit policy research organization dedicated to benefiting Minnesota by providing its policy makers with reliable research on the issues important to rural Minnesota. To fulfill this mission, they work with academic and non-academic researchers from throughout the state to design and conduct research projects.

The Center's board members come from all over the state, representing a variety of interests. The board consists of 20 members, including 12 appointed by the Governor.  The board works closely with staff to help guide the direction of the Center, to set research priorities and to help make the Center a presence in the rural policy community.