Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Michael Jordan and Matthew Simpson to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regulatory Board.

Jordan, of Apple Valley, is the director of civil rights with the city of Minneapolis. He has over 30 years of experience working in a variety of positions in government, corporate, and non-profits, which include serving as the public information coordinator for the St. Paul Police Department and commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Jordan earned his juris doctorate degree from the University of St. Thomas Law School in Minneapolis, his master’s degree in management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business in Stanford, California, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Jordan replaces Lori Brown as a public member on the EMS Regulatory Board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 4, 2010.

Simpson, of Eagan, is the deputy fire chief of the EMS Division of the St. Paul Fire Department. Previously, he was a fire captain with the St. Paul Fire Department, and has over 20 years of experience as a firefighter, paramedic and emergency medical technician. He has received a number of awards honoring his professional service. Simpson is completing his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona, holds an associate in science degree in fire and emergency medical services from Inver Hills Community College, and studied fire science at the community colleges in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona. Simpson replaces Susan Jacobson on the EMS Regulatory Board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board makes recommendations on improving access, delivery and effectiveness of the state’s EMS delivery system and establishes procedures for investigating, hearing and resolving complaints against EMS providers. The board consists of 19 members, including 15 appointed by the Governor. Members may not serve more than one consecutive term on the board.