Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Beth Kadoun, Kate Rubin, and Mike Zumwinkle to the Working Group on State Role in Trade Policy.

Kadoun is a senior policy advisor in the Governor’s Legislative and Cabinet Affairs Department. Among the agencies with which she coordinates policy efforts on behalf of Governor Pawlenty is the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Kadoun is appointed as the Governor’s designee to this working group.

Rubin is the president of the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), the largest technology trade organization in the state. MHTA supports the growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Minnesota’s technology-based economy through advocacy, collaboration, and education. Rubin is appointed as a representative of a business organization other than the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Zumwinkle is the director of government relations in Cargill, Inc.’s Corporate Affairs Department, where he is responsible for all aspects of state government affairs for Cargill’s agricultural and food businesses. He also serves as the team lead for Cargill’s international biotechnology coordination and works closely with Cargill associates on international issues. Zumwinkle is appointed as a representative of a business organization other than the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

The Working Group on State Role in Trade Policy was created by the 2007 Legislature (Law of Minnesota 2007, Chapter 135, Article 2, Section 35) to develop recommendations for establishing policies and procedures regarding the role of the state in federal trade policy and trade agreements. The working group consists of 17 members, including three appointed by the Governor.