Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Rebecca Keran, Neil N. Lapidus, Sherri Moyle and Ramanik P. Shah to the Board of Accountancy. All four are appointed to certified public accountant (CPA) positions on the board.

Keran, of Inver Grove Heights, is a tax manager with Best Buy Company in Richfield and is a member of Best Buy's Finance Recognition Committee. She previously worked for KPMG's tax practice in Minneapolis and served on its committee for March of Dimes. Keran replaces Eleanor Anderson for a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2008.

Lapidus, of Medina, is an accountant and partner with the accounting firm of Lurie Besikof Lapidus and Company. A member of the firm since 1978, he is the firm's administrative partner and specializes in the management of complex audit engagements and litigation services. Lapidus replaces Linda Tate Eisenmenger for a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2008.

Moyle, of Duluth, is a CPA with the accounting firm of Alaspa and Murray in Duluth. Her practice is doing audit work, tax returns and consulting for individuals and businesses. She is also a certified financial planner and serves as a district director of the Minnesota Association of Public Accountants. Moyle replaces Philip Gleason for a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2008.

Shah, of Arden Hills, is a CPA in private practice with the accounting firm of Shah & Company, Ltd. in Roseville. He has been employed by CPA firms since 1972 in London, England, Winnipeg, Canada and Minneapolis prior to starting his own firm in 1987. He is the past volunteer manager for Minnesota Accounting Aid Society and has served on a number of committees of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. Shah replaces Duane Thompson to complete a four-year term that expires on January 2, 2006.

The Board of Accountancy examines, licenses and regulates certified public accountants. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.