Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Leigh Lenzmeier to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Board of Trustees.

Lenzmeier, of St. Cloud, is a member of the Stearns County Board of Commissioners. He was first elected in 1990, and has served continuously since. He also chaired the board in 1993, 2003, and 2009. Lenzmeier’s professional career is in real estate, starting Lenzmeier Real Estate Services in 1984. Lenzmeier earned his master of business administration degree as well as his bachelor of arts degree in economics from St. Cloud State University, and holds real estate broker and appraiser licenses. He is vice president of the Minnesota Inter-County Association, a member of the boards of directors of the National Association of Counties as well as the Association of Minnesota Counties, and previously served on the Stearns County Planning Commission, and St. Cloud Parking Commission. Lenzmeier replaces Commissioner Dennis Hegberg on the PERA Board of Trustees as a representative of counties, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2013.

The Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees manages the fund that provides retirement, survivor and disability benefits for public employees of county and local government. The board consists of 11 members, including five appointed by the Governor.