Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Elaine Hansen and Betty Ramsland to the Lake Superior Center Authority.

Betty Ramsland, of Duluth, is the Treasurer and Appraisal Assistant for Ramsland and Vigen, Inc., a Duluth real estate appraisal firm. Ramsland serves on the boards of several community organizations, including the Duluth YWCA and the Friends of the Duluth Public Library. She is a licensed real estate broker. Ramsland will serve a six-year term which ends January 4, 2010. She fills the board seat formerly held by Bruce Stender.

Elaine Hansen, of Duluth, is the Director of the Center for Economic Development at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration from 1995 to 1999. Hansen was Finance Director for the City of Duluth from 1992-1995. She is a certified public accountant (CPA). Hansen will serve a six-year term which ends January 4, 2010. She fills the board seat formerly held by Tom Spence.

The Lake Superior Center Authority oversees the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. The Authority's board of directors consists of five members, including four members appointed by the Governor.