At the Hormel Foundation Board of Directors April board meeting, members elected Bonnie Rietz as a director.

Rietz recently retired from 18 years in public service, having served as mayor of Austin for 10 years, city council member for eight years and president of three statewide organizations: League of Minnesota Cities, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and Minnesota Mayors Association. In these roles, she testified at the state Legislature, traveled the state and worked with city officials throughout Minnesota.

Michael Ruzek was appointed by the Austin Area Foundation to represent them on the board.

Ruzek, chairman of the Austin Area Foundation, is an Austin native and long-time resident who has been active in a number of community organizations and currently serves on the Boards of Spruce Up Austin, Austin High School Alumni & Friends, and the Austin Community Scholarship Committee.

“The representation of the Austin Area Foundation will help in identifying and contributing to important aspects of the community not addressed by the Hormel Foundation” said Richard L. Knowlton, chairman of The Hormel Foundation.

Donald R. Brezicka retired from The Hormel Foundation Board effective May 31 as a representative of the Austin Medical Center. Timothy J. Johnson was appointed by the Austin Medical Center Board to replace Brezicka. Johnson is an Austin native graduating from Austin High School and Riverland Community College. He has been with the Austin Medical Clinic since 1988 and is currently the CEO of AMC.