Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Christine Black-Hughes, Ph.D., Jacqueline Johnson, and Angie Stratig, and the reappointment of David Hallman and Mary Casey Ladd to the Minnesota Board of Social Work. '

Black-Hughes, of Mankato, is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and associate professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Minnesota State University-Mankato where she became a member of the social work faculty in 1994. She received her Ph.D. from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, a masters of social work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor of social work degree from Wright State University. Hughes’ practice experience is in the areas of adult, child and family mental health, and women's issues. She has also worked with community based alcohol and drug addiction programs. She has served on the Ohio Counselor and Social Work Board. She is appointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012 as an educator member. She replaces Anthony Bibus on the board.

Johnson, of Rochester, is the program director for the College of Medicine, Mayo School of Health Sciences, where she is responsible for recruitment, selection and management to the Medical Social Services Student Programs. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with a master of science degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Johnson earned her bachelor of science degree in social science from Alcon State University in Lorman, Mississippi. Johnson is appointed as a hospital member to fulfill a four-year term that expires January 4, 2010. She replaces Anoma Mullegama on the board.

Stratig, of Minneapolis, is a licensed independent clinical social worker who works for the American Indian Family Center. She holds a master of social work degree from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the College of St. Benedict-St. Joseph. Stratig has a wealth of experience with children’s mental health issues, including serving on the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for the past seven years. She is appointed as a member representing a private agency to fulfill a four year term that expires January 3, 2011 and replaces Roy Garza on the board.

Hallman, of Moorhead, is a foster care licensing specialist with Clay County Social Services in Moorhead and serves as the current chair of the Minnesota Board of Social Work. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota-Moorhead with a bachelor of science degree in social work (LSW). Hallman is a retired member of the U.S. Army and member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is reappointed as a member of a county agency, to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

Ladd, of Minneapolis, has over 34 years of experience as a social worker in clinical practice settings. She is a clinical administrator at Family and Children’s Service, who is responsible for clinical oversight and management over a mental health clinic that provides individual, couples, group and family therapy services. Ladd holds a master of social work degree from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor of arts degree in social work from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. She is reappointed as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) member of the board to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

The Minnesota Board of Social Work is responsible for licensing and disciplining social workers. The board is made up of 15 members appointed by the Governor.