Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Maurice Davis, Adrianna Smith and Veronica Wirekoa-Fobena, and the reappointment of George Ogbonna and Maryland “Lucky” Rosenbloom to the Council on Black Minnesotans. All are appointed to four-year terms that expire January 2, 2012.

Davis, of St. Peter, is a process engineer for the 3M Company in New Ulm. He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Alabama and is skilled in a number of computer applications. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers and the American Chemical Society. Davis replaces Kevin Lindsey on the council.

Smith, of Minneapolis, works for the Target Corporation as a business process consultant in the human resources operations – business intelligence division. Smith is also an adjunct instructor for the Dunwoody College of Technology and works as a mentor to young women with Southside Community Health Services. She holds a master of science degree in computer science from Clark Atlanta University and a bachelor of science degree in computer information systems from Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama. Smith replaces Vernell Williams on the council.

Wireko-Fobena, of Blaine, is a certified public accountant and internal auditor for KPMG, LLP. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services that operates in 145 countries. She is currently working on a master of business administration degree at the University of St. Thomas. She is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors. She fills a vacant position on the council.

Ogbonna, of Andover, works for the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. In his position as assistant to the division head, he is responsible for assessing the human resources needs of the division and matching staff to faculty support needs. He was a 2006 policy fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute and a member of the Committee on Immigration & Higher Education in Minnesota. Ogbonna earned his masters of business administration and management information systems degree from Metro State University, his masters degree in public policy administration from the Humphrey Institute, and his bachelor of arts degree in finance from Augsburg College. Ogbonna is reappointed as a West African representative.

Rosenbloom, of St. Paul, is a social studies teacher at a number of Minnesota charter schools. He is a trial and litigation paralegal. In his career, he has worked for the Minneapolis Urban League establishing a free legal clinic, and for Ramsey County Corrections as a detention staff member. Rosenbloom hosts a weekly radio show and serves as a columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He received a bachelor of arts degree in human services and counseling psychology from Metro State University in St. Paul, and a paralegal degree from Inver Hills Community College.

The Council on Black Minnesotans advises the Governor and legislature on issues of particular importance to black Minnesotans. The Council is made up of 17 members, including 13 appointed by the Governor.