Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Michael G. McGinn to the State Board of Public Defense.

McGinn, of Eagan, owns McGinn and Associates, a consulting business that provides public safety and guest services for public and private events. He has served as a United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota, a state Senator, and a police officer with the St. Paul Police Department, where he achieved the rank of commander. McGinn earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. McGinn, who previously served on the State Board of Public Defense, is appointed to fill an unscheduled public member vacancy for a term that expires on January 7, 2013. He replaces Laura Budd on the board.

The State Board of Public Defense approves and recommends a budget to the Legislature, and establishes procedures for distribution of state funding for the board, the Office of the State Public Defender, the judicial district public defenders and the public defense corporations. The board also appoints the state public defender and the chief public defenders of the state’s ten judicial districts. The board consists of seven members, including four attorneys appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court and three public members appointed by the Governor.