Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Louis D. Gonzales, Alexandra S. Nelson, and Edgardo E. Rodriguez to the Council on the Affairs of Chicano/Latino People.

Louis D. Gonzales, Ph.D., of Minnetonka, currently serves as President of the Center for Training and Careers, an English immersion alternative school located in Richfield and Minneapolis. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent and Alternative Education Director for the San Jose (California) School District. He was born of Mexican parents and raised in California. Gonzales is appointed to an at-large position on the Council and will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. Gonzales replaces Osvaldo Raimondo-Franco on the Council.

Alexandra S. Nelson, of Mendota Heights, currently serves as a Senior Loan Officer for Centennial Mortgage & Funding, Inc. in Mendota Heights. She previously worked as a Loan Officer, Private Banker, and Personal Banker at Wells Fargo in West St. Paul. Nelson was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She is appointed to the Council position for a resident of the fourth Congressional District and will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. Nelson replaces Xavier Escobedo on the Council.

Edgardo E. Rodriguez, of Minneapolis, currently serves as a business consultant at the Metropolitan Economic Development Association and as Treasurer of the Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as President of the Venezuelan Food Division of International Multifoods Corporation. Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He is appointed to the Council position for a resident of the fifth Congressional District and will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. Rodriguez replaces Oliver Zaragoza on the Council.

The Council on Affairs of Chicano/Latino People advises the Governor and Legislature on the issues of importance to Minnesota's Hispanic community. The Council also serves as a liaison between the Hispanic community and local, state and federal government. The board is made up of eleven members appointed by the Governor, as well as two members each from the State Senate and State House of Representatives.