Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Judith Friesen, Laurie Hassett, Erwin Rud, and John Schumacher; and the reappointment of Edward Butterfass, Sylvia Carty, Mark Hughes, Joanne Olson, Kenneth Rodgers, David Sams, Barbara Stensland, David Schwartzkopf and Joani Werner to the Council on Disability.

Friesen, of Madelia, is a county assessor for Brown County. She is a resident of Region Nine and is appointed to fulfill a three-year term that expires January 5, 2009. Friesen replaces Kay Fritz on the council.

Hassett, of Red Wing, works for Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. She is a resident of Region 10. Hassett is appointed to fulfill a three-year term that ends January 4, 2010 and replaces Sheila Wieser on the council.

Rud, of Fosston, is a resident of Region One. Rud is appointed to a three-year term that expires January 3, 2011 and replaces John Tschida on the council.

Schumacher, of New Prague, is an executive chef and the owner of the historic Hotel Broz in New Prague. He is a resident of Region 11. Schumacher is appointed to fulfill a three-year term that expires January 4, 2010. He replaces G. Robin Hoy on the council.

Carty, of St. Paul, is a community volunteer. She is a resident of Region 11 and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Hughes, of Shoreview, is the vice president of Hughes Construction in St. Paul and works for Hubbard Broadcasting. He a resident of Region 11 and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Olson, of Duluth, is a retired nurse and educator. She is resident of Region Three and is Reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Rodgers, of Minneapolis, is a registered nurse and is currently attending the Humphrey Institute for public affairs. He is a resident of Region 11 and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Sams, of Redwood Falls, is a resident of Region Eight and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Stensland, of Bemidji, is an area director with Lutheran Social Services. She is a resident of Region Two and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Schwartzkopf, of Rochester, is a retired IBM executive and the current chair of the Minnesota Council on Disability. He is a resident of Region 10 and is reappointed to a term that expires January 4, 2010.

Werner, of Arden Hills, works for the Social Security Administration. She is a resident of Region 11 and is reappointed to a tem that expires January 4, 2010.

The Council on Disability advises the Governor and Legislature on issues, policies, and programs related to persons with disabilities. The Council also promotes coordinated interagency efforts and provides information and referrals to persons with disabilities. The Council is made up of 21 public members, representing Minnesota’s economic development districts, who are appointed by the Governor.