Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Charles Dougherty, Bradley Jones, Mark Novotny, Ted Seifert, Charles Skinner, and Samuel Thompson; and the reappointment of Fred Bobich, Nancy Hanson, Julie Lunning, David Siegel, Kathy Silverthorn, and John Valliere to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council. All 12 are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 2, 2012.

Bobich, of Cohasset, is the owner and operator of Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids. He is a member and past chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Bobich, who has been a member of the council since its inception in 2004, is reappointed as a representative of chambers of commerce.

Dougherty, of Oak Park Heights, is the owner and operator of the Cover Park Manor in Oak Park Heights, and the Water Street Inn in Stillwater. He was the founding president of the Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association, and serves as a member of the board. He is also a charter member of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, a member of the Minnesota Hotel and Lodging Association, and the Inns of the Valley Bed and Breakfast Association. Dougherty replaces Sandra Lexvold on the council as a representative of bed and breakfasts.

Hanson, of New Hope, is the business coordinator of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA). She is serving her fifth term as president of the Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association, is a member of the Minnesota Motorized Trail Coalition, and chairs the MnUSA’s tourism committee. Hanson, who has been a member of the council since its inception in 2004, is reappointed as a representative of trails.

Jones, of Rochester, is the executive director of the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is responsible for the sales and marketing of the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. He currently chairs the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Hospitality First Advisory Committee, and the Rochester Arts Council. Jones replaces Gregory Ortale on the council as a representative of convention facilities.

Lunning, of St. Cloud, is the executive director of the St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Lunning is a past president of the boards of directors of the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and the Minnesota Heartland Tourism Association, and is a member of the Minnesota Tourism Promotion Coalition. Lunning, who has been a member of the council since its inception in 2004, is reappointed as a representative of convention and visitors bureaus.

Novotny, of Hackensack, owns and operates the Hyde-A-Way Bay Resort in Hackensack with his wife and family. He is a member of the Congress of Minnesota Resorts, and currently chairs its legislative committee. Novotny replaces Thomas Masloski on the council as a representative of resorts.

Seifert, of Red Wing, has been a Goodhue County Commissioner since 2003, representing District 5, which includes part of the city of Red Wing and Wacouta Township. He also serves in a number of community organizations, including Red Wing 2020, Three Rivers Citizens Action Council, and the Water Planning Policy Group. Seifert replaces Patricia Beckel on the council as a representative of counties.

Siegel, of Apple Valley, is the president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Minnesota, which represents the major segments of the hospitality industry, and oversees the Minnesota Restaurant Association, Minnesota Lodging Association, and the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association. Siegel, who has been a member of the council since 2005, is reappointed as a representative of the tourism industry.

Silverthorn, of Red Wing, is the executive director of the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVB), and previously held that position with the Fairmont CVB. She is past president of the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association. Silverthorn, who has been a member of the council since 2007, is reappointed as a representative of the Southern Tourism Region.

Skinner, of Lutsen, owns and operates Lutsen Mountains Ski Area and Eagle Ridge Resort. He is president of the Cook County Economic Analysis Council, and the Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau. Skinner replaces Robert Buntz on the council as a representative of lodging.

Thompson, of Long Lake, is the president and owner of metroConnections, Inc. in Minneapolis, a Destination Management Company. He is past president of the Association of Destination Management Executives, and currently serves on the Meet Minneapolis Board, and Minnesota Meetings and Events Editorial Board. Thompson replaces Gabriel Castaneda on the council as a representative of tour operators.

Valliere, of Bloomington, is the general manager of Braemar Golf Course in Edina. He is president of the Minnesota Golf Association, a regional affairs committeeman with the United States Golf Association, past chair of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance, and was founding president of the Midwest Public Golf Course Managers Association. Valliere, who has been a member of the council since its inception in 2004, is reappointed as a representative of golf.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council serves the broader interests of tourism in Minnesota by promoting activities that support, maintain, and expand the state’s domestic and international travel market. The council consists of 28 members, including 23 appointed by the Governor. The director of Explore Minnesota Tourism chairs the council.