Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Eleasalo (Salo) Ale to the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans.

Ale, of Hopkins, is a partner at the Faegre & Benson law firm in Minneapolis. Prior to joining Faegre and Benson, he was a law clerk for the Chief Judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals. Ale is a member of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development. He is also a member of the Samoan Association of Minnesota. Ale received his J.D. degree from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. He received a B.A. in Political Science from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri. A South Pacific Islander originally from the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, Ale will serve as the Council's representative from the Samoan community. He is appointed to the remainder of a term ending January 2, 2006. Ale replaces A. Ghafar Lakanwal on the Council.

The Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans advises the Governor and Legislature on issues pertaining to Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. The Council also advocates on issues of importance to the Asian-Pacific community in Minnesota. The Council is made up of 23 members, including 19 appointed by the Governor.

Lee, of Faribault, is a licensed psychologist (LP) at the master's degree level. He currently works at the State Correctional Facility in Stillwater. Lee also operates Eastern Psychological Services, a clinic specializing in culturally sensitive therapy, minority issues, and family therapy. He was previously employed at the State Regional Treatment Center in Faribault. Lee received a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Minnesota State University—Mankato. He is appointed as a master's level licensed psychologist on the board and will serve a partial term ending January 5, 2004. Lee replaces Jane White Schneeweis on the board.

The Board of Psychology is responsible for licensing and disciplining psychologists. The board is made up of 11 members appointed by the Governor.