Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Keith Buttleman, Mark R. Knoff, Ph.D., and Michael J. McKay to the Clean Water Council.

Buttleman, of Maplewood, has been the assistant general manager of the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Division for 14 years. In his role, he directs the Metropolitan Council’s water supply planning, water and air monitoring, environmental compliance, water resource assessment, laboratory, and industrial regulatory programs. Buttleman earned his master of planning degree in regional environmental planning from the University of Virginia School of Architecture in Charlottesville, and his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Virginia. Buttleman replaces William Moore on the Clean Water Council as the representative of the Metropolitan Council, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

Knoff, of Mankato, is the public works director with the city of Mankato, and previously was the city of Faribault public works director. He is also an adjunct professor with Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he has taught advanced environmental engineering courses. Knoff was a command pilot in the United State Air Force, where he served for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. A registered professional engineer, Knoff earned his doctorate and master of science degrees in environmental engineering from Purdue University, and his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. He is a member of the National Council of Examinations for Engineers and Surveyors Civil Engineering Committee, and the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework Domestic Use Technical Work Team. Knoff replaces John Howe on the Clean Water Council as a representative of cities, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2013.

McKay, of Red Wing, is the general manager of the St. James Hotel in Red Wing. He has previously held a number of sales and management positions in a variety of businesses over the course of his 35-year professional career. McKay earned his bachelor of arts degree from St. Cloud State University. He is executive director of the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, a non-profit organization created to restore and preserve Lake Pepin. He is a member of the Goodhue County Board of Review, and past chair of the Wacouta Township Board, and the United Way Allocation Committee. McKay replaces Sarah Strommen on the Clean Water Council as a representative of an environmental organization, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Clean Water Council was created by the legislature to provide advice on how to administer and implement the Clean Water Legacy Act, including making recommendations to the Governor on the appropriation of funds in the Clean Water Legacy Account. The council consists of 23 members, including 19 appointed by the Governor.