Regular watchers of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's board appointments might have done a double take Tuesday when they saw Michael Vekich has been tapped for a seat on the Minnesota State College and Universities Board of Trustees.

Over the years, Vekich has become one of the governor's (and previous governor's) favorite utility players.

Here's a rundown of Vekich's seven board appointments: has served on the Board of Accountancy, Board of Barber Examiners, Governor's 21st Century Tax Reform Commission, Interim Director of the State Lottery (he was a member of the Lottery Reorganization Task Force), Minnesota Ballpark Authority Commission, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees (previously) and Rochester Higher Education Development Committee.

A St. Louis Park resident, he is CEO of Vekich Associates in Minneapolis and chairman, president, and COO of Skyline Exhibits in Eagan. He replaces David Olson for a six-year term.

Vekich was not the only appointment to the state colleges and university board. Other appointments were: Philip B. Krinkie, president of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, and Alfredo Oliveria; and the reappointment of Duane Benson, Jacob Englund and Thomas S. Renier.