Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Duane A. Arens, Anne M. Barry, and Alexander Rowell, Jr. to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC). All three are appointed to three-year terms that expire on January 7, 2013.

Arens, of Minneapolis, is the director of community and economic development with Connexus Energy in Ramsey, a position he has held since 1998. Previously, he held public policy positions with the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development and Governor Arne Carlson’s office as well as sales positions with AT&T, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Arens earned his MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and his bachelor of science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He serves on numerous community boards and foundations, including president of the Metropolis Rugby Foundation and the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. Arens has been a member of the Amateur Sports Commission since 2004.

Barry, of Minneapolis, is the chief compliance officer and acting chief financial officer with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. She is also an adjunct professor with the University of Minnesota (U of M) School of Public Health Academic Health Center and an instructor with the U of M College of Education School of Kinesiology. She has held a number of public policy positions in state government over the past 24 years, including Commissioner of Health and acting Commissioner of Finance. Barry earned her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, her masters of public health degree from the U of M, and her bachelor of arts degree from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Her community activities include serving as president of the United States of America Rugby Football Union from 1998 to 2002. Barry has been a member of the Amateur Sports Commission since 2004.

Rowell, of Eden Prairie, recently retired after 29 years in medical device sales, most recently as a clinical sales specialist with Possis Medical. Previously, he held a number of positions with Medtronic, Inc. and was a pharmaceutical sales representative with American Cyanamid, Lederle Laboratories. He began his professional career as a college and high school teacher and coach. Rowell earned his master of science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and his bachelor of arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. His civic service activities have included serving on the Mr. Basketball Selection Committee and the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services Board of Directors. Rowell has been a member of the Amateur Sports Commission since 1992 and is currently vice-chair.

The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission supports the National Sports Center in Blaine, the amateur sports associations in the state and creates tourism through promoting amateur sports events, including the Star of the North State Games. The commission consists of 16 members, including 10 appointed by the Governor.