Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Dr. James Koppen to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Koppen, of Pine City, is the director of pharmacy at Pine Medical Center in Sandstone, Minnesota, where oversees all pharmacy operations including upgrading the medication delivery system and launching a medication safety program at the medical center. Koppen is a licensed pharmacist with over 39 years of experience in both retail and hospital pharmacy. He earned his bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from South Dakota State University, in Brookings, South Dakota. Koppen is appointed to a four-year term as a pharmacist member and replaces Thomas Dickson on the board.

The Board of Pharmacy is responsible for licensing and disciplining pharmacists. The board also inspects and licenses all pharmacies, drug wholesalers, and drug manufacturers. The board is made up of seven members appointed by the Governor.