Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Representative Pat Garofalo and Dr. David Metzen as members of the Minnesota delegation to the Education Commission of the States.

Garofalo, of Farmington, is the State Representative for District 36B. He serves as the lead minority party member of the House K-12 Finance Committee and is serving his third term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Garofalo earned his bachelor of science degree in law enforcement from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He replaces former Representative John Berns on the commission.

Metzen, of Sunfish Lake, is the newly appointed Director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. He is a past two-term member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and was Chair of the Board of Regents from 2003-05. He served the South St. Paul School District as superintendent from 1982-2000 and was previously an elementary school teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent specializing in curriculum in the district. Metzen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education, and earned a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University. He replaces Susan Heegaard on the commission.

The Education Commission of the States is an interstate compact created in 1965 to improve public education by facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences among state policymakers and education leaders. A highly-respected national organization, the Commission is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Minnesota delegation consists of seven members, including the Governor.