Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Maricruz M. Hill to the Council on the Affairs of Chicano/Latino People.

Maricruz M. Hill, of Chanhassen, is a Regional Project Support Manager at US Bank in Minneapolis. She previously worked as an Independent Consultant for APEX International Placements in Chanhassen. Hill is a member of the Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She received a B.A. in Psychology from InterAmerican University in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Hill is appointed to an at-large position on the Council and will serve a four-year term which ends January 7, 2008. She replaces Rick Jackson 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.