Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Governor Culver Appoints Two New Members To Economic Development Board
Makes 13 other appointments to state boards and commissions
DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today appointed Ruth MacDonald and Robert Riley, Jr., to the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board.
“Iowa’s strengths in bioscience, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy are allowing us to create the economy of the future,” said Governor Culver. “We must continue to move our economy forward, and that is why I am honored to appoint these individuals to the Iowa Economic Development Board. Ruth and Bob’s leadership in life sciences and agriculture will be invaluable as we create thousands of new jobs, and I look forward to working with them as we transform Iowa into the renewable energy capital of the world.”
Ruth MacDonald of Ames will represent the life sciences industry on the board. She is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University. In her academic role, she’s participated in many National Institutes of Health sponsored review panels that select funded research projects. This has given her a broad perspective of the diversity in both academic and research institutions and the contributions made by the life sciences industry.
Robert Riley, Jr., of Des Moines will represent Iowa’s agricultural industry. He is the President and CEO of Feed Energy Company based in Des Moines, a biorenewable agribusiness firm engaged in the processing of soybean oil co-products focused in feed, agronomy, dust control, fuel, and industrial fertilizer applications. They have three Iowa locations employing 60 individuals in various aspects of production, research and development, and business operations.
MacDonald’s and Riley’s terms on the board begin immediately and expire in 2010.
In addition, the Governor announced 13 other individuals have been appointed to boards and commissions throughout the summer and fall. A complete listing of board and commission appointments made by Governor Culver is below.
Name, City, Board, Succeeds
Linda Madison, Royal, Advisory Council on Brain Injuries, Reappointment
Walter Johnson, Denver, Advisory Council on Brain Injuries, Reappointment
Theresa Hegmann, West Branch, Board of Physician Assistants, New Appointment
Ted Smith, Burlington, Board of Physician Assistants, New Appointment
Sandra Ryan, Ankeny, Commission for the Blind, New Appointment
Gloria Reber, Iowa Falls, Commission of Elder Affairs, New Appointment
Joseph Hays, Truro, Commission of Persons with Disabilities, Reappointment
Elayne Sexsmith, Iowa City, Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council, New Appointment
Ruth MacDonald, Ames, Iowa Economic Development Board, New Appointment
Robert Riley, Jr., Des Moines, Iowa Economic Development Board, New Appointment
Vernon Johnson, Des Moines, Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, Reappointment
Dallas Sanders, Medical Assistance Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, New Appointment
Cynthia Peterson, Cedar Rapids, Preserves Advisory Board, Reappointment
Eric Seuren, West Des Moines, Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board, New Appointment
Colleen Kennedy, Iowa City, Board of Medicine, New Appointment