Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of William Opsahl to the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Opsahl, of Minneapolis, is the founder and CEO of William Opsahl Associates in Minneapolis, where he is a business consultant to large private investors, corporate owners and senior managers. His professional background includes serving as a principal associate with Altair Ventures Group, an acquisition consultant with Louisiana-Pacific Corp., a corporate executive vice president with Georgia Pacific Corporation, a business journalist with Knight-Ridder Publications, and an investment adviser with Rockefeller Brothers in New York City. Opsahl earned his bachelor of arts degree in engineer with honors from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Opsahl has been a vocal musician in many groups for more than 50 years, which has included performing with the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Chorale. His community activities have included serving as a member of the boards of the Minnesota Governor’s Commission on Arts Funding, Mankato Symphony Association, Minnesota Legacy Constitutional Amendment, Minnesota Parks and Trails Council, a Minnesota representative on the Yale University Alumni Association, and a trustee emeritus with the Williston Northampton School. Opsahl replaces Ken Kaffeine on the Minnesota State Arts Board as an at-large member, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Minnesota State Arts Board provides grants and services to individual artists, arts organizations, schools, colleges and universities, communities, and other organizations that sponsor arts activities. The board consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor.