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BOARD/COMMISSION:  State Guardian Ad Litem Board

(The State GAL Board)


Address

Mn Judicial Center, Suite G-27
25 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
St Paul, MN
55155

Web Site

Supporting Entity/Enabling Legislation Supported by Staff

ENABLING LEGISLATION
MS 480.35
Enabled: 07-01-2010
Revisor of Statutes Link

Chair and Contact
CONTACT
Tami Baker-Olson
(651) 368-2621
CHAIR
Ann Ahlstrom
(612) 751-2796

TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Staff-Contact
tami.bakerolson@courts.state.mn.us
(651) 368-2621
Yes
TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Chair
a_ahlstrom@me.com
(612) 751-2796
Yes
Membership

Three members appointed by the Supreme Court, at least one of whom must have former guardian ad litem experience, and who include two attorneys admitted to practice law in the state and one public member; and four members appointed by the governor. The appointing authorities may not appoint a registered lobbyist or an active judge to be a member of the State Guardian Ad Litem Board, but may appoint a retired judge.

At least three members of the board shall be from judicial districts other than the First, Second, Fourth, and Tenth Judicial Districts.

Member Info

COMPENSATION

  • Per Diem: $55.00
  • Other Compensation: plus expenses

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

  • Requires Older Member - no
  • Requires Senate Approval - no
  • Members file campaign finance and disclosure - no

Entity Powers and Duties, Activity Summary
The board shall create and administer a statewide independent guardian ad litem program to advocate for the best interests of children, minor parents, and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases as defined in Rule 901.01 of the Rules of Guardian Ad Litem Procedure in Juvenile and Family Court matters; approve and recommend to the Legislature a budget for the board and the guardian ad litem program; establish procedures for distribution of funding under this section to the guardian ad litem program; and establish guardian ad litem program standards, administrative policies, procedures, and rules consistent with statute, rules of court, and laws that affect a volunteer or employee guardian ad litem's work.

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The Guardian ad Litem Board (GALB) contracted with the National Center for State Courts to complete an organizational assessment. 


Meeting Information
Meetings typically last: 9:00am - Noon, on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month - Meetings subject to change, please see website for schedule.
Meeting Frequency: Meetings are open to the public with 15 minutes allotted at the beginning of the meeting for public comment.

Meetings are held at:
Various locations around the state. See website for details.


Fiscal Information
Annual Staff Hours: 500944.00
Total Appropriations: $21,386,000.00
Appropriations Description: GAL Operations
Fiscal Year Expenses: $21,386,000.00

Expenses Description:

Guardian ad Litem Board has a total biennial base budget of $49,000,000 , payroll consisting of 82% and operating expenses 18%.

Open Positions (0)
No Open Positions

NAME POSITION APPLICATION DATE
Richard Smith Member - Governor Appointment 11/20/2024
Dr. Matthew Stiehm Member - Governor Appointment 1/13/2025
Dr Timothy Zuel Member - Governor Appointment 11/9/2024

No pending appointments found.

POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Board Chair
Elected by Council
Filled
02/17/2026
Vice Chair
Elected by Council
Filled
02/17/2026
Member - Supreme Court Appt (1)
Minnesota State Supreme Court
Filled
01/04/2027
Member - Supreme Court Appt (2)
Minnesota State Supreme Court
Filled
01/03/2028
Member - Supreme Court Appt (3)
Minnesota State Supreme Court
Filled
01/02/2027

Current Members (4)
POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Member - Governor Appt (1)
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Member - Governor Appt (2)
Governor
Filled
01/05/2026
Member - Governor Appt (3)
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Member - Governor Appt (4)
Governor
Filled
01/01/2029