Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Peter Sadowski, Ph. D. and Joe Swedberg to the Commission on New Americans. Both are appointed to two year terms that expire June 30, 2009.

Sadowski, of Minneapolis, is a vice president at Antares Pharma, Inc. and is responsible for device operations for the specialty pharmaceutical company. Sadowski holds a Ph. D. in microbiology from the University of Minnesota and completed his bachelor of science and master of science degrees at Montana State University. Sadowski is a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and is the past chair of the Education and Workforce Development Policy Committee.

Swedberg, of Austin, is the vice president of legislative affairs and marketing services with Hormel Foods Corporation. He oversees all state and federal legislative affairs and is responsible for all marketing services, including packaging design, consumer insight and consumer affairs. Swedberg has been with Hormel for over 26 years. Swedberg is the immediate past chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, serves as vice-chair of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council and is a board member of the Minnesota Zoo.

The Commission on New Americans was established by the 2007 legislature to identify the strengths of the immigrant community in Minnesota. The commission is tasked with compiling a report for the legislature and state agencies with recommendations regarding facilitating immigrant participation in social, cultural and economic life in Minnesota. The commission consists of 10 members with two appointed by the Governor.