Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Diane Weber to the Iron Range Higher Education Committee.

Weber, of Grand Rapids, recently retired as the CFO of UPM Kymmene North America. A CPA, she had previously been the Controller of Blandin Paper Company in Grand Rapids, executive director of the Itasca Economic Development Corporation, a tax accountant with McGladrey Pullen in Hibbing as well as an accounting instructor at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids. Weber serves on the boards of the Grand Itasca Hospital Foundation as well as the United Way of 1000 Lakes, has chaired the Itasca Technology Exchange Board of Directors, and served as a board member of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association. Weber is appointed to a four-year term that expires on January 2, 2012.

The Iron Range Higher Education Committee was created by the Legislature to advise the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources on providing higher education programs in the taconite assistance area. The committee consists of eight members, including one appointed by the Governor.