St. Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Steve Bissen, Karen DeLaForest, Keith Downey, Karen Ernst-Graham, Marilyn Jones, Otto Luknic, Thomas Matson, Carla Nelson, David Pinto, Gerald Seppala, and Angela Stotesbery and the reappointment of Jennifer Anderson, Dr. Debra Bowers, Arlene Bush and Melissa Malen to the Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF).

Bissen, of LaCrescent, is part of the management team at Underdahl Toyota. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2010. Bissen replaces Jane Chronister on the board.

DeLaForest, of Andover, works for the Anoka-Hennepin School District. She is appointed as an education member to a four-year term that expires in January, 2010. DeLaForest replaces Beverly Sullivan on the board.

Downey, of Edina, is a partner at Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2009. Downey replaces David Schwartzkopf on the board.

Ernst-Graham, of Minneapolis, is a teacher with a masters degree in education from Hamline University. She is appointed as an education member to fulfill a four year term that expires in 2011. Ernst-Grahm replaces Lynette Olson on the board.

Jones, of Minneapolis, holds a Ph. D. from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Business Administration from Syracuse University. She is appointed as an education member to a four year-term that expires in January, 2012. Jones replaces Harvey Hietala on the board.

Luknic, of Fairbault, is a retired business owner and school teacher. He serves on his local school board, Lions Club and Rice County Historical Society board. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2010. Luknic replaces Francis Connolly on the board.

Matson, of Edina is seminar leader and trainer with the Gallup Organization and is the former director of development for the Sigma Chi Foundation and Leadership Institute. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2010. Matson replaces Carole Elfstrum on the board.

Nelson, of Rochester, is the owner of an Allstate Agency. She has an extensive background in education, business, and public service. She is a former legislator from the Rochester area. Nelson appointed to a four-year term that expires in January, 2012 and replaces David Jebens on the board.

Pinto, of St. Paul is an attorney with the firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP. He holds a juris doctorate degree and a master of business administration degree from the University of Virginia. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2009. Pinto replaces Gary Floss on the board.

Seppala, of Wayzata is an experienced profit and non-profit fundraiser. He is appointed as a business member to fulfill a four-year term that expires in January, 2011. Sepppala replaces Linda Garrett-Johnson on the board.

Stotesbery, of Eden Prairie, is an assistant director for US Wealth Management. She is appointed as a business member to a four-year term that expires in January, 2012. Stotesbery replaces Claudia Fuentes on the board.

Anderson, of Edina, is an attorney with Thiel, Campbell, Gunderson and Anderson, PLLP and serves as the current chair of The Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation. She is reappointed as a business member to a term that expires in January, 2011.

Bowers, of St. Louis Park, is the Superintendent of School for the St. Louis Park School District. She is reappointed as an education member to a term that expires in January, 2010.

Bush, of Bloomington, is a retired educator and business person. She is a member of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and is the former president of the Minnesota School Boards Association. She is reappointed as an education member to a term that expires in January, 2011.

Malen, of St. Paul, is a career counselor who works in the field of business and education. She is reappointed as an education member to a four-year term that expires in January, 2012.

The Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF) identifies and presents awards to outstanding students, educators, and supporters of education. MAEF provides teachers with educational tools, administers the Education Quality Leadership Academy and offers workshops and training sessions to help school leaders improve school performance. MAEF is governed by a 21 member board of directors that is appointed by the Governor.