Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Mary Krinkie to the Metropolitan Council. Krinkie will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Marcel Eibensteiner in District 10, which includes the Anoka County cities of Blaine, Circle Pines and Lexington, and the Ramsey County cities of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, and Shoreview, and the portion of Spring Lake Park that lies in Ramsey County.

Krinkie is vice president of government relations for the Minnesota Hospital Association in St. Paul, a position she has held since 2001. She worked in government relations for the law firm of Lockridge, Grindal, Nauen in Minneapolis from 1991 to 2001, was a communications and media assistant for the Minnesota State Senate from 1987 to 1990 and was state coordinator for the working partners division of the Republican National Committee in Washington, DC from 1982 to 1987. Krinkie earned her bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1982.

"I am grateful to Governor Pawlenty for the opportunity to serve the people of District 10 and the region," Krinkie said. "I support the work of the Met Council and Chairman Peter Bell's leadership."

Krinkie, 44, lives in Shoreview with her husband, Phil, and their daughter, Elizabeth, 8.

The Metropolitan Council coordinates planning and development in the seven county metropolitan area and directly operates several regional services. The Metropolitan Council consists of 16 metropolitan citizens appointed from geographically defined districts in the seven county metropolitan area and a chair. All 17 members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms that are co-terminus with the Governor.