Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment Janice Bailey and Bonita Kallestad and the appointment of Ton Scanlan, Jane Toleno, and Jeffrey West to the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind. All are appointed to serve a three year term that expires January 4, 2010.

Bailey, of Rochester, has been a rehabilitation counselor for over 28 years. She has a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from Utah State University and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Southwest State University in Marshall. Bailey is reappointed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor member of the council.

Kallestad, of Willmar, is an attorney with Western Minnesota Legal Services and the Minnesota Disability Law Center. In addition to being a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, she participates in a number of health and human services working groups. Kallestad holds a juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law, a master of science degree in gerontology from St. Cloud State University, and a bachelor of arts degree in history and philosophy from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Kallestad is reappointed as a client assistance representative of the council.

Scanlan, of Minneapolis, recently retired after 37 years of service to the State of Minnesota. During his tenure, Scanlan worked for both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Administration in the technology field. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. He is the current treasurer for the National Federation for the Blind and editor of the Minnesota Bulletin, a quarterly statewide newsletter for the blind. Scanlan is appointed as a representative of an advocacy organization and replaces Jennifer Dunham on the council.

Toleno, of Big Lake, has a wide array of experience in library services. She served as an advisor to the Library of Congress National Library Services Department and currently servers as a member of the Minnesota Department of Educations’ grant review committee for library development services. Toleno graduated summa cum laude with a degree in writing, speech communications and women’s studies from the University of Minnesota. She is a published author of a book entitled BlindSight: Come and See. Toleno is appointed as a business member of the council and replaces Carol Leaders.

West, of Golden Valley, is a residential designer and drafter who works with local Minnesota contractors. He graduated from North Hennepin Community College with an associate degree in marketing and advertising. West is appointed as a business member of the council and replaces Sam Jasmine.

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 19 members appointed by the Governor, as well as an ex-officio member from the State Services for the Blind.