Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Debra M. Newel to the State Board of Physical Therapy.

Newel, of St. Paul, is an associate attorney with the Thomsen and Nybeck law firm in Bloomington, and an adjunct practicum professor with William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. She was previously a law clerk with Thomsen and Nybeck, as well as with the Carver and Hennepin County Attorney’s offices, and the law office of G. Scott Hoke, P.A. in Champlin. She was also a student attorney while attending Hamline University School of Law and a judicial extern for United States District Court Magistrate Judge Franklin L. Noel.

Newel holds an MBA degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, her law degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, and her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a member of the Missions, Inc. Programs and Mission Farm Nursing Home, Inc. Board of Directors. Newel replaces Neng Lee on the State Board of Physical Therapy as a public member to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The State Board of Physical Therapy is responsible for licensing and disciplining physical therapists. The board consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor.