Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Shar Knutson, Richard Lehmann, Harry Melander, and Greg Mulcahy; and the reappointment of Laura Beeth, Twyla Flaws, Joseph Kalkman, Terrence Leas, Ph.D., and Rhonda Sivarajah to the Governor's Workforce Development Council (GWDC).

Beeth, of Bloomington, is the system director of talent acquisition with Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis, and has more than 15 years of experiences in human resources with Fairview. Beeth earned her bachelor of science degree in health care management from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis. Beeth, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2004, is reappointed as a representative of business to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Flaws, of Merrifield, is the human resources manager with Clow Stamping in Merrifield, a position she has held since 1994. She is an honors graduate of Brainerd Technical College. Flaws is a member of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, where she serves on the Workforce Task Force, and a member of the Lakes Area Human Resources Association. Flaws, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2007 and is currently vice-chair, is reappointed as a representative of a community-based organization to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Kalkman, of Eagan, is a senior director of human resources with Best Buy Co., Inc. in Richfield. He has held a number of human resources positions with Best Buy during his nearly nine years with the company. Kalkman earned his master of arts degree in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota, and his bachelor of arts degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville. Kalkman, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2009, is reappointed as a representative of business to a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Knutson, of St. Paul, is the president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, a position she has held since October 1, 2009. Previously, she served as the president of the Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation, the Regional Federation’s political director, and held positions with the city of St. Paul, including policy analyst for the mayor. Knutson replaces Ray Waldron on the GWDC as a representative of labor, and is appointed to a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Leas, of Albert Lea, is president of Riverland Community College, a position he has held since 2003. He has held a variety of positions in K-12 and higher education during his 38-year career. Leas earned his doctorate degree in higher education administration from Florida State University in Tallahassee, his master of education degree from Valdosta State College in Valdosta, Georgia, and his bachelor of science degree from Florida State. Leas, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2007, is reappointed as a representative of education to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Lehmann, of Bemidji, has held a variety of positions with Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, including admissions specialist, financial aid officer, and instructor. He has also been the mayor of Bemidji since 2001, and previously served on the Bemidji City Council. Lehmann earned his bachelor of arts degree from Bemidji State University. Lehmann replaces Brenda Johnson on the GWDC as a representative of local-elected officials, and is appointed to a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Melander, of Mahtomedi, is the president and executive secretary of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and previously served as its business representative. His previous positions have included human resources with the Minnesota Statewide District Council of Carpenters, and an instructor in the Building Technology Department at Eastern Iowa Community College in Muscatine. Melander earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Melander replaces Rod Haworth on the GWDC as a representative of labor to complete a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2012.

Mulcahy, of St. Paul, has been a member of the English faculty at Century College in White Bear Lake since 1989, and has taught in higher education for more than 25 years. He is president of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Faculty, the union representing all public two-year college faculty. Mulcahy replaces Sandy Mosch on the GWDC as a representative of labor, and is appointed to a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

Sivarajah, of Lino Lakes, has been a member of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners since 2003 and chairs its Human Services Committee. She has been a business owner, store manager, and worked in the Anoka County Human Services Division. Sivarajah earned her bachelor of arts degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University. Sivarajah, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2004, is reappointed as a representative of local-elected officials to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2013.

The Governor's Workforce Development Council coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of the statewide education and employment transitions system and Minnesota youth services programs. The council consists of 32 members, including 28 appointed by the Governor.