Carmichael named to Governor's Mansion panel

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Christine Carmichael, who has been in interior decoration design for nearly 20 years here, has been named to the Governor's Residence Council by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

She was one of three new members named to four-year terms on the 19-member advisory panel which is in charge of planning restoration for the residence and surrounding grounds, the AP reported.

"I have worked professionally with some of the people on the governor's staff, and they were the ones who recommended me to the governor," Carmichael said.

She is owner of Design Directions Interiors LTD, 2 S. Minnesota, New Ulm.

Carmichael speculates that her background in historic preservation may have had something to do with her appointment.

"I restored a small lodge at Itasca State Park and did work on the Wanda Gag house here in New Ulm," she said.

Carmichael graduated from college with a degree in interior design and a minor in preservation. She was instrumental in establishing a historic-preservation program in New Ulm and helped form the Historic Preservation Commission, serving on the board since its inception.

"I've always had a love for old houses, and I had a lot of resource information," Carmichael explained.

"I'm really very pleased that Governor Pawlenty wants to make it a resource for his family and the people of the state," Carmichael said.

The council meets on a quarterly basis, and it's a volunteer position so it won't be taking Carmichael out of the community.

While she's not exactly sure what to expect, she's not expecting too much difficulty in fitting in.

"It's people from all over the state and different backgrounds. I tend to be very collaborative and research oriented and not the type to come in and try to take over," Carmichael explained.

"I've not been a political person per se, but this will be an interesting way to get involved."

As she's never been in the governor's residence in St. Paul, it will be her first chance to see what it looks like inside, too.