Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Judges William Pederson, David Stofferahn and Debra Wilson to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals.

"The Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals has earned a reputation of being a professional, balanced, smooth-running and collegial court that issues consistent, well thought-out opinions," Governor Pawlenty said. "Judges Pederson, Stofferahn and Wilson are an integral part of this court and are well-deserving of reappointment."

Pederson, of Minneapolis, has been a Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals Judge since 1998. Previously, he was a co-founder, shareholder and managing partner of the Pustorino, Pederson, Tilton & Parrington law firm in Minneapolis from 1980 to 1998, a litigation associate and partner with the law firm of Marker & Pederson in St. Louis Park from 1979 to 1980 and a staff attorney with David K. Wendel & Associates in Minneapolis from 1977 to 1979. Pederson earned his juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1975 and his bachelor of arts degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1971. Pederson is reappointed to another six-year term that expires on January 4, 2010.

Stofferahn, of St. Paul, has been a Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals Judge since 2002. Prior to his appointment to the court, he was an attorney with the law firm of Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey in Minneapolis from 1976 to 2002. Stofferahn earned his juris doctorate degree cum laude in 1976 and his bachelor of arts degree in 1969 from the University of Minnesota. Stofferahn is reappointed to another six-year term that expires on January 5, 2009.

Wilson, of St. Paul, has been a Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals Judge since 1991. She was a compensation judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings from 1986 to 1991 and an attorney and partner with the law firm of Fitch, Johnson, Larson and Walsh in Minneapolis from 1981 to 1986. Prior to earning her law degree, Wilson was a college instructor and high school teacher. Wilson earned her juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1981, her master of arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and her bachelor of arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1971. Wilson is reappointed to another six-year term that expires on January 5, 2009.

The Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals has statewide appellate jurisdiction over all workers' compensation appeals. The court consists of five judges appointed by the Governor who have experience with and knowledge of workers' compensation laws and have been licensed to practice law in Minnesota for at least five years.