Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of David Ladd to the board of directors for the Center for Rural Policy and Development.

Ladd, of Woodbury, has been the manager of government affairs for AgriBank, FCB. in St. Paul since 2000. Prior to his work for AgriBank, Ladd worked as a policy advisor for U.S. Senator Rod Grams and U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger.

Ladd earned his master of arts degree in public administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, and his bachelor of arts degree in political science and history from Moorhead State University. He holds a certificate in public affairs management from Hamline and is currently a participant in the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program.

Ladd is a member of a number of professional associations including the American Soybean Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau, and the Metro Area Future Farmers of America. Ladd is appointed as a business member to fulfill a six-year term that expires January 3, 2011. He replaces John MacFarlane on the board.

The Center for Rural Policy and Development is a non-partisan, not-for-profit policy research organization dedicated to the study of the economic, demographic and cultural factors that affect rural Minnesotans and their communities. Based in St. Peter, the Center publishes the Rural Minnesota Journal, and the Atlas of Minnesota, and regularly advises policymakers on rural issues through its research reports. All of the center’s products and reports can be found online at www.ruralmn.org. The Center’s board consists of 17 members, 12 appointed by the Governor.