Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Michael D. Ranum and Janet Withoff to the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority. Both members are reappointed to four-year terms that expire on January 6, 2014.

Ranum, of Circle Pines, is the chief financial officer with BWBR Architects, Inc in St. Paul. Previously, he was the chief financial and administrative officer with the Hazelden Foundation, assistant vice president and senior relationship manager for the Institutional Relations Group at Lutheran Brotherhood in Minneapolis, and vice president for administration and advancement and vice president for finance and management at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Ranum earned his master of business administration degree with a finance concentration from the University of Minnesota, and his bachelor of arts degree magna cum laude with an emphasis in business administration and accounting from Concordia College in Moorhead. Ranum, who has been a member of the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority since 2002, is reappointed as a public member of the board.

Withoff, of Orono, is an independent consultant in grant writing, planning, compliance reporting and special projects. Previously, she has held positions as a business relationship manager with Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis, program administrator with the Iowa Finance Authority, and a planner with the Iowa Department of Economic Development as well as with the Woodbury County, Iowa Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program. Withoff earned her master’s degree in public administration from Iowa State University in Ames, and her bachelor of science degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. Withoff, who has been a member of the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority since 2007, is reappointed as a public member of the board.

The Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority assists Minnesota nonprofit institutions of higher education by issuing tax-exempt revenue bonds. These funds are used to finance construction projects, renovate existing buildings, or purchase equipment. The authority’s board is made up of 10 members, including eight appointed by the Governor. --30--