Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Lisa Belak and Mark Peterson to the Minnesota Humanities Center Board of Directors. Both are appointed to fulfill four-year terms that expire January 3, 2011.

Belak, of Roseville, is a consultant for ARTpartner SERVICES, LLC in St. Paul. She has over 20 years of experience in visual arts, marketing, communications and sales. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in journalism, public relations and advertising from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Belak is active in community and civic organizations and has served as a judge for a number of art competitions. Belak replaces Connie Doepke on the board.

Peterson, of Winona, has been the executive director of the Winona County Historical Society since 1983 and serves as an adjunct professor in the history department at Winona State University. Peterson earned his bachelor of science degree in history from Mankato State University and his master of arts degree in history from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Peterson replaces Brent Hovdestad on the board.

The Minnesota Humanities Center is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Humanities Center fulfills its mission through humanities-based programs including professional development opportunities, early literacy workshops, and bilingual and heritage language programming. The Minnesota Humanities Center is governed by a 30-member board of directors, including six appointed by the Governor.