Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Joerger, Ph.D., and the reappointment of Peggy Ann Anderholm, Cynthia L. Lesher (chair), Jon H. Thompson, and Inez L. Wildwood to the Governor's Workforce Development Council (GWDC). All five are appointed to three-year terms that expire on June 30, 2011.

Anderholm, of Roosevelt, is the manager of education and workforce development with Marvin Windows and Doors in Warroad, a position she has held for 10 years. She has over 20 years in organizational development and employee training and previously was a high school teacher for six years. Anderholm is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, International Society for Performance Improvement, Society for Human Resources Management, and serves as a GWDC business representative on the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board of Directors. Anderholm holds a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, and has done graduate study programs in adult learning and vocational education. Anderholm, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2002, is reappointed as a representative of business.

Joerger, of Woodbury, is the system director for agriculture and business programs in the Office of the Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) in St. Paul. He is also an educational consultant for domestic and international projects. Previously, he was an associate professor of agricultural education with the University of Minnesota (U of M) and held a joint appointment in the U of M’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Sciences and its College of Education and Human Development. He also held faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and Utah State University, and was a co-owner, sales representative and sales manager with A.O. Smith Harvestore agribusiness dealership. Joerger earned his doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota, his masters degree from the University of St. Thomas, and his bachelor of science degree from North Dakota State University. Joerger replaces Leah Schwachtgen on the GWDC as a representative of agricultural education.

Lesher, of New Brighton, recently retired as president and CEO of Northern States Power Company – Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. During her career at Xcel Energy, she was also the company’s vice president, chief administrative officer, chief human resources officer, president of NSP Gas, and vice president of NSP human resources.

Lesher served as president of the 2008 Republican National Convention Host Committee, is a member of the New Brighton Economic Development Commission, serves on the boards of directors of Alliant Techsystems, Twin Cities Area Red Cross, and the St. Paul Foundation, and is a University of Minnesota regent emeritus. Lesher was inducted into the Women’s Economic Roundtable in 2003, was named among the Twin Cities’ most innovative women by CityBusiness magazine, received the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s “Lifetime Career Achievement Award”, and was selected by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce as the “2008 Woman of the Year”. Lesher completed the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management Master of Excellence Program, holds a master’s degree from St. Cloud State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Lesher, who has chaired the GWDC since 2004, is reappointed as chair.

Thompson, of Elk River, is president and CEO of Opportunity Partners, Inc., a non-profit provider of vocational and residential supports to people with developmental disabilities, brain injury, and welfare-to-work. He has over 30 years of experience in leadership positions with long-term and mental health care administration. Thompson holds a master of business administration, master of arts in special education, and bachelor of arts degrees from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He is a licensed nursing home administrator in Minnesota, is a certified administrator and fellow with the American College of Health Care Administrators, a certified public accountant with an active certificate, and a qualified mental retardation professional. Thompson, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2006 and chairs its Public Relations Committee, is reappointed as a representative of community-based organizations.

Wildwood, of Duluth, is the workforce planning and talent development manager in the human resources division of Minnesota Power/Allete in Duluth, a position she has held for 10 years. Previously she was the director of employee assistance services with Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth, and has over 30 years of experience in personnel and counseling services. Wildwood has a master of science and education degree as well as a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin. She is a licensed psychologist in Minnesota and holds certifications in corporate crisis management. Wildwood chairs the MnSCU/Minnesota Department of Education “Shifting Gears-Fast Trak” program, is a member of the Northland Red Cross Board of Directors, serves as a GWDC business representative on the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board of Directors, and chaired the Duluth Workforce Council. Wildwood, who has been a member of the GWDC since 2003 and chairs its Business and Community Connections Committee, is reappointed as a representative of business.

The Governor's Workforce Development Council coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of the statewide education and employment transitions system and Minnesota youth services programs. The council consists of 32 members, including 28 appointed by the Governor.