Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of John “Jack” R. Ryan, Jr. to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

Ryan, of Hibbing, is the president of Ryan Kasner Bialke, LLC, a financial planning firm specializing in estate, business succession, employee benefits, retirement and investment planning. He also serves on numerous local corporate boards and volunteers for a variety of community organizations including the Hibbing Foundation, Hibbing Business Development Corporation, Central Mesabi Medical Foundation, Hibbing United Way, Hibbing Kiwanis Club, and the Chisholm Hibbing Airport Authority. Ryan replaces William Henning on the Iron Range Resources Board as a citizen member for a two-year term that expires January 5, 2009.

The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board considers expenditures for projects for rehabilitation in the taconite tax relief area (TTRA) of northeastern Minnesota. The Board consists of 13 members, including one citizen member appointed by the Governor. The Governor also appoints the commissioner of Iron Range Resources.