Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Laura Beeth, Noreen J. Dunnells, Roderic Haworth, Brenda Johnson, James Johnson, Cynthia Lesher, Sandy Mosch, Rhonda Sivarajah and Jack Wiley to the Governor's Workforce Development Council (GWDC).

Beeth, of Bloomington, is the system director for workforce development and placement services with Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis. She also chairs the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (McSCU) Healthcare Education Industry Partnership Council. Beeth replaces Nobert Conzemius as a representative of business for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Dunnells, of Sartell, is the chief professional officer with the United Way of Central Minnesota. She is also a member of the St. Cloud Workforce Development Council and is past president of the United Way of Minnesota. Dunnells replaces Bruce Corrie as a representative of community-based organizations for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Haworth, of Apple Valley, is the servicing representative with the United Auto Workers International Union. He is the GWDC representative to, and chair of, the Rehabilitation Council for the Blind. Haworth, who has been a member of the GWDC since 1999, is reappointed as a representative of labor to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Brenda Johnson, of Chatfield, is a member of the Chatfield City Council and vice mayor. She also serves on the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors and is past president of the Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities. Johnson replaces Gordon Aanerud as a representative of local-elected officials for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

James Johnson, of Goodview, is president of Minnesota State College -- Southeast Technical and has over 23 years of administrative and teaching experience. Johnson, who has served one term on the GWDC, is reappointed as a representative of education to another three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Lesher, of New Brighton, is vice president, chief administrative officer and chief human resources officer with Xcel Energy. She has held a variety of positions with Xcel and its predecessor, NSP, since she began working for the company in 1980. Lesher replaces Roger Hale as chair of the GWDC and a representative of business to complete a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2005.

Mosch, of Marshall, is an administrative assistant in the English Department at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. She is the chief steward and a past president of AFSCME Local #2385. Mosch replaces Jaye Rykunyk as a representative of labor for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Sivarajah, of Lino Lakes, is an Anoka County Commissioner. She also serves on the Anoka County Workforce Council and is a member of the Workforce Center Planning Group. Sivarajeh replaces Jan Parker Wiessner as a representative of local-elected officials for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

Wiley, of Eden Prairie, is the co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Gantz Wiley Research, a Minneapolis-based company that provides a full range of employment and customer survey services for international corporate clients. Wiley replaces David Nasby as a representative of business for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2007.

The Governor's Workforce Development Council coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of the statewide education and employment transitions system and Minnesota youth services programs. The council consists of 32 members, including 28 appointed by the Governor.