Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Janna Kovach, Carol Payne, and Ruth Richardson, and the reappointment of Rosemary Kassekert, Beverly Ryan, and Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon to the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

Kovach, of Rosemount, is a licensed social worker (LSW) who is the director of social services at Cerenity Care Center in St. Paul. She has over 14 years of experience in the social work field. Kovach earned her bachelor of science degree in social work from Mankato State University, and her master of arts certificate in organizational leadership from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Kovach is appointed as a LSW member to fulfill a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012. She replaces Peter Langseth on the board.

Payne, of Becker, is a licensed social worker (LSW) with over 28 years of professional experience in the health care field. As the head of Payne Consulting, Inc., she works as a consultant to a number of health care organizations and social service departments. Payne earned her bachelor of arts degree in social work and psychology from St. Cloud State University. She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and Minnesota Nursing Home Social Workers Association. Payne is appointed as a LSW member to fulfill a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012. She replaces Kathleen Beehler on the board.

Richardson, of Mendota Heights, is an attorney working for the city of St. Paul. She works to ensure compliance with public procurements laws and reviews professional service agreements on behalf of the city and Ramsey County. Richardson earned her juris doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul and bachelor of arts degree in history and sociology from the University of Minnesota. Richardson is appointed as a public member to a four-year term that expires January 7, 2013. She replaces William Cullen on the board.

Kassekert, of St. Paul, is a retired attorney and published author. She earned her juris doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul and bachelor of arts degree in English and political science from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Kassekert is reappointed as a public member to a four-year term that expires January 7, 2013.

Ryan, is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) working for United Hospital in St. Paul. She has over 28 years of experience in heath care and social work. Ryan earned her master of arts and bachelor of arts degrees in social work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Ryan is reappointed as a master’s level social worker to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

Wilcoxon, of Hopkins, is a grant project coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. She holds a master of business arts degree in international management from St. Thomas University and a bachelor of science degree in economics from the Universidad Federal do Espirito Santo in Vitoria, Brazil. She is current pursuing a doctorate degree in leadership, policy and administration from the University of St. Thomas. Wilcoxon is reappointed as a public member to a four-year term that expires January 7, 2013.

The Minnesota Board of Social Work is responsible for licensing and disciplining social workers. The board is made up of 15 members appointed by the Governor.