Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Barbara Chromy, Roberta Cich, Phyllis Coppess, Bryan Jensen, Lois Johnson, Gloria LaFriniere, Karen Larson, Mary Pennington and Ann Zick to the Statewide Independent Living Council.

Barbara Chromy, of Austin, is appointed to an advocate position on the Council. She will serve the remainder of a term which ends January 2, 2006. She replaces Hulet Sherry on the Council.

Roberta Cich, Duluth, is appointed to a public member position on the Council. She will serve the remainder of a term which ends January 2, 2006. She replaces Joe Ascheman on the Council.

Phyllis Coppess, of Fridley, is appointed to a Council position for a parent of a child with disabilities. She will serve the remainder of a term which ends January 2, 2006. She is a current member of the Council.

Bryan Jensen, of Duluth, is appointed to an advocate position on the Council. He will serve a three-year term which ends January 1, 2007. He is a current member of the Council.

Lois Johnson, of Windom, is appointed to a public member position on the Council. She will serve a three-year term which ends January 1, 2007. She is a current member of the Council and currently serves as the Council's chair.

Gloria LaFriniere, of Bagley, is appointed to the Council position for a representative of an American Indian vocational rehabilitation project. She will serve a three-year term which ends January 1, 2007. She is a current member of the Council.

Karen Larson, of Faribault, is appointed to a Council position for a parent of a child with disabilities. She will serve a three-year term ending January 1, 2007. She is a current member of the Council.

Mary Pennington, of Hilltop, is appointed to a public member position on the Council. She will serve the remainder of a term which ends January 2, 2006. She is a current member of the Council.

Ann Zick, of Osage, is appointed as an advocate position on the Council. She will serve a three-year term which ends January 1, 2007. She replaces Janiece Duffy on the Council.

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) 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.