Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Cal Larson and Dr. David Metzen to the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service, also known as the ServeMinnesota Commission. Both are appointed to complete three-year terms that expire on August 1, 2010.

Larson, of Fergus Falls, served as a member of the Minnesota Senate from 1987 through 2006, and previously was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1967 through 1974. He currently serves on the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth, and has represented Minnesota on the Great Lakes Commission for 12 years. He has also served on the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission, Minnesota State Capitol 2005 Commission, Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, was chair of the Concordia College Board of Regents, and was president of the Fergus Falls Rotary Club. He earned his bachelors degree from Concordia College Moorhead, and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Larson replaces James Pederson on the ServeMinnesota Commission as a representative of older adults.

Metzen, of Sunfish Lake, is the 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’s degree in elementary education. He later earned a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University. In addition to his education roles, he served as executive director of the Dodge Nature Center from 2001-2004, has worked as a leadership consultant, and has served on several non-profit boards. Metzen replaces Susan Heegaard on the ServeMinnesota Commission as a representative of higher education.

The Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service coordinates volunteer learning service programs, administers the youth works grant program as well as the federal Americorps program. The commission consists of 25 members, including 24 appointed by the governor, the Commissioner of Education plus four ex-officio legislative members.