Robert McFarlin, a public relations executive and former state transportation official, has been appointed to the Metropolitan Council by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He takes the west Hennepin County area seat that opened up with the resignation of Mary Hill Smith.

Eleven people applied to fill the vacancy.

A bio from the governor's office says:

"McFarlin is vice president of corporate, community, and public affairs at Weber Shandwick in Bloomington.  He has 27 years of experience in government and public relations, including a number of positions with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), where he was acting Commissioner, assistant commissioner for policy and public affairs, and director of public affairs and chief of staff.  McFarlin has served on the boards of the Minnesota Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Standing Committee on Quality and Public Affairs Committee, Minnesota State Board of Investment Advisory Council, and was an instructor with the Indiana University Highway and Transportation Management Institute. McFarlin earned his masters and bachelor of science degrees from the University of Minnesota.

"McFarlin has volunteered with the International Special Olympics, St. Paul Winter Carnival, Minnetonka youth baseball and basketball, East Tonka Little League Board of Directors, and Tonka Babe Ruth Board of Directors.  McFarlin, 51, lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Kimberly, and their three children.

"He'll represent the council's District 3, which includes the Hennepin County cities of Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata, and Woodland."

The Met Council coordinates planning and development in the seven-county metro area and operates several regional services.  The council consists of 16 citizens appointed and a chairperson, all appointed by the governor.