Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of David M. Ross to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) Board of Directors.

Ross, of Duluth, is the president and chief executive officer of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held since 1997.  Previously, he has held positions as director of long term care services and administrator of the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, chief executive office of Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center in Dultuh, and administrator of Presbyterian Homes of Minnesota in St. Paul.  Ross earned his master of arts degree in oganizational management from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, and his bachelor of arts degree in business from Concordia College in Moorhead.

Ross’s community activities have included serving as co-chair of 2001 and Beyond – Duluth’s Community Visioning Process, director of Community Action Duluth, vice president of public awareness with Junior Achievement of Duluth, a member of the Duluth Rotary, president of Medical Campus Toastmasters, and a member of Lutheran Brotherhood Toastmasters where he was “Toastmaster of the Year”. Ross replaces Robert Eaton on the DECC to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Board administers, promotes, and operates the Duluth Convention Center. The DECC Board consists of 11 members, including four appointed by the Governor and seven appointed by the Mayor of Duluth.