~ Names Mary Koep of Brainerd Chair ~

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Carol Lee Bratter, R. D. Brown, Susan R. Kratzke, Heidi Michaels, Chrisanne K. Pieper, and Ellie M. Vollmer, and the reappointment of Richard W. Jackson, Grace K. Lee, and Julie Storm to the Minnesota Board on Aging. In addition, the Governor has designated Mary Koep chair of the board for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2007.

Bratter, of Edina, owns a business practice where she serves as a life transitions coach for aging professionals and individual who are facing personal and/or professional life challenges. She also originated People Helpers Time Bank, a Twin Cities-based service credit volunteer program. Bratter replaces Ann Meissner for a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Brown, of St. Paul, recently retired as the vice president of child and family support services with the Children’s Home Society and Family Services. His community activities include having served on the St. Paul Mayor’s Committee on Aging. Brown replaces Adrienne Breiner on the board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 5, 2009.

Jackson, of Princeton, is a retired businessman and former Mille Lacs County Commissioner. Jackson, who has been a member of the board since 2003 and co-chairs its Program Operations Committee, is reappointed to another four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Kratzke, of Mankato, is the executive administrator with The Thro Company in Mankato, where she is responsible for the overall operations of five nursing homes and two assisted living facilities, and has 25 years in the delivery of healthcare and aging services. Kratzke replaces David Janovy on the board for a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Lee, of Minneapolis, is a teaching specialist, field instructor, and consultant with the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work. She founded the Korean Service Center in Minneapolis, where she developed cross-cultural programs to benefit elderly immigrants, and she is a member of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. Lee, who has been a member of the board since 2003, is reappointed to another four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Michaels, of Andover, is an insurance agent with Dyste William in Minneapolis where she specializes in health, long term care, and disability insurance. She is also a member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. Michaels replaces Antoinette Baker for a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Pieper, of Rochester, is an adult enrichment coordinator with Rochester Community Education and the senior program director with Rochester Community and Technical College. Her community activities include serving on the Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission, the Olmsted County Senior Summit, and Coffee and Conversation Forums. Pieper replaces Jeannette Metz for a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Storm, of Mankato, is a registered nurse who has held a number of employment positions in the Mankato area, which include recently working part-time in marketing and sales for Old Main Village, an independent senior living facility in Mankato. She is also a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Storm, who has been a member of the Board on Aging since 2003 and was a national delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in 2005, is reappointed to another four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Vollmer, of Perham, has held a variety of positions in the aging field for over 15 years, and has a master of science degree in gerontology from the University of Southern California. She is also a volunteer with Kinship of Perham. Vollmer replaces Maria Gomez on the board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2008.

Incoming Chair Mary Koep, of Brainerd, has served on the Board on Aging since 2003. She also previously served as two-term member of the board. Koep is a former member of the Brainerd City Council and former member of the Crow Wing County Board.

The Minnesota Board on Aging develops, coordinates, evaluates and administers federal and state funds for programs for the aging; makes grants to 14 area agencies on aging and non-profit agencies; and serves as an advocate for older persons. The board consists of 25 members appointed by the Governor.