Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Sarah Caruso, Dr. Andy Chen, Ph.D., Stephanie Corradi, Tom Holton, Julie Leslie, Dr. Joseph Nathan, Ph.D., Dr. Arthur Reynolds, Ph.D., Maureen Seiwert, Sandra Simar, and Julie Sjordal to the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care.

Caruso, of Hopkins, is the president of the Minnesota Children’s Museum. She holds a master of business administration degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Caruso is appointed as a parent member to a term that ends January 7, 2013. Caruso is also appointed as chair of the council for a 2009-2010 term.

Chen, of Woodbury, is a mechanical engineer who has worked for 3M since 1993. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota, a master of science degree from Michigan State University, and a doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota. Chen is appointed as a parent of a child under the age of six to a term that ends January 3, 2011.

Corradi, of Bemidji, is a licensed home childcare provider. She is an active community volunteer with teaching experience. She is appointed as a parent of a child under the age of six to a term that ends January 7, 2013.

Holton, of Bloomington, is the executive director of community education for Bloomington-Richfield Schools. He earned his master of science degree in community education from the University of St. Thomas. Holton is appointed as a public member to a term that expires January 3, 2011.

Leslie, of West St. Paul, is a licensed educator and the director of Augustana Preschool. She earned her masters degree in education from the University of St. Thomas and holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Augsburg College. Leslie is appointed as a parent member to a term that expires January 3, 2011.

Nathan, of St. Paul, directs the Center for School Change and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He earned his master of arts and doctorate degrees from the University of Minnesota. Nathan is appointed as a public member to a term that expires January 7, 2013.

Reynolds, of Minneapolis, is a professor in the area of child development at the University of Minnesota. He holds a doctorate degree in public policy analysis from the University of Illinois in Chicago and a master of arts degree in psychology from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Reynolds is appointed as the representative of higher education to a term that expires January 7, 2013.

Seiwert, of St. Louis Park, is the executive director of early childhood education for the Minneapolis Public School system. She holds a masters degree in education, work, community, and family education from the University of Minnesota. Seiwert is appointed as the representative of a local education agency to a term that expires January 3, 2011.

Simar, of Rochester, is the Head Start director at Child Care Resource and Referral in Rochester. She holds a master of arts degree in education policy and administration from the University of Minnesota. Simar is appointed as the representative of a state head start agency to a term that expires January 3, 2011.

Sjordal, of Minnetonka, is the managing director of programs for St. David’s Child Development and Family Services in Minnetonka. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota. Sjordal is appointed as the representative of local providers of early childhood education and development services to a term that expires January 7, 2013.

In addition to appointed members, federal law requires designees from the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Human Services and the State Director of Head Start Collaboration. Karen Klinzing, Assistant Commissioner, will represent the Department of Education, Chuck Johnson, Assistant Commissioner, will represent the Department of Human Services; and Mary Vanderwert, State Director of Head State Collaboration, will serve on the council.

Governor Pawlenty created the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care by Executive Order 08-14. Federal law authorizes the creation and assigns responsibilities to the advisory council. The council consists of 18 members, including 14 appointed by the Governor.