Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Christine Bray, Ph.D., and Danielle Chelmo, and the reappointment of Richard Gardell and Antonio Tejeda to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC). All four are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 3, 2011.

Bray, of Stillwater, is the manager of the creation and implementation of a statewide juvenile justice and mental health initiative for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. She has previously been the deputy director for Washington County Community Corrections, an assistant commissioner with the state Department of Corrections, and held a number of positions with Ramsey County Community Corrections, including director of the juvenile division, director of policy and planning, director of administration, director of domestic relations, juvenile probation supervisor, and juvenile probation officer. Bray replaces Reno Wells on the JJAC.

Chelmo, of Medina, is a licensed esthetician and a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis in December 2006. She graduated from Prairie Center Alternative High School in Eden Prairie in May of last year. While in school, she volunteered with We Can Ride, Eyes Wide Open, YMCA, and raised money for St. Anne’s Shelter for Women and Children. Chelmo replaces Scott Ferguson as a youth member on the JJAC.

Gardell, of Minneapolis, is president and CEO of 180 Degrees, Inc., a community-based non-profit provider of correctional services including juvenile offender mentoring. He had a 31-year career as a St. Paul Police officer, retiring as assistant chief of police. He has served as chair of the St. Paul Youth Services Board of Directors, and as a member of the Youth Express Capital Campaign Committee. Gardell has been a member of the JJAC since 2003.

Tejeda, of Spicer, is an attorney with the Willmar law firm of Anderson, Larson, Hanson and Saunders. His practice includes criminal prosecution as well as criminal defense law. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Tejeda handles many of the firm’s non English-speaking clients. He is also a Minnesota National Guard Judge Advocate General Officer. Tejeda has been a member of the JJAC since March 2006.

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.