Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Heidi B. Johnson, Michele “Mickey” Kyler, Mark E. Mertens, William F. Negaard, and Suzanne M. Renfroe to the Statewide Independent Living Council. All five are appointed to three-year terms that expire on January 7, 2013.

In addition, Linda Lingen, Ann Roscoe, and David Sherwood-Gabrielson will serve as ex-officio members of the council. Lingen is the ex-officio representative from the State Services for the Blind; Roscoe is the ex-officio representative from the Minnesota State Council on Disability; and Sherwood-Gabrielson is the ex-officio representative from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Johnson, of Bemidji, has a professional background working with the Social Security Administration. She is a member of the Region 2 Mental Health Board, Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council (STAR), and volunteers for ARC Bemidji. Johnson replaces Adrienne Haugen as an advocate member on the council.

Kyler, of Crookston, is an administrative assistant with Independence Plus, Inc., in Crookston. She has served on the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council, the Minnesota Commission on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans, and the Minnesota State Council on Disability. Kyler replaces Bryan Jensen as an advocate member on the council.

Mertens, of Spicer, is a career rehabilitation counselor with the State of Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services office in Willmar. He is a member of the Kandiyohi County ARC Board, Minnesota Rehabilitation Association, Kandiyohi Area Transit Committee, is an officer with the Sons of the American Legion, and is a New London Township Board Supervisor. Mertens replaces Sharon Johnson as a representative of a disability organization.

Negaard, of Vernon Center, has developed two successful small businesses, and has been involved with the startup of a non-profit community service agency. He has been a member of the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, South Central Workforce Council, and Minnesota Valley Action Council. Negaard replaces James O’Neill as a public member on the council.

Renfroe, of Bloomington, is a parent advocate for children and youth with physical and/or mental disabilities. She is a member of the Minnesota State Interagency Committee, state Special Education Advisory Panel, state Special Education Diversity Committee, Bloomington Special Education Community Action Council, and chairs the Bloomington Community Education Advisory Council. Renfroe replaces Karen Larson as a parent member on the council.

The Statewide Independent Living Council advises state agencies on issues related to independent living for persons with disabilities. The Council consists of 21 members, including 16 appointed by the Governor.