Current members
Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board
Chair - David Asp
David Asp was appointed to the Board in February of 2022 by Governor Walz for a term ending in January of 2026. He fills a Board position requiring a member who has not been a public official, held any political party office other than precinct delegate, or been elected to public office for which party designation is required by statute in the three years preceding the member's appointment to the Board. Mr. Asp has supported the Republican party. Mr. Asp is a partner at Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP where his practice focuses on litigation, particularly litigation involving health care and administrative law. Mr. Asp has been an active volunteer on the board of several community and non-profit organizations, and has volunteered with political campaigns, party units, and political committees. He graduated from Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota Law School.
Vice Chair - Faris Rashid
Faris Rashid was appointed to the Board in August of 2020 by Governor Walz. Mr. Rashid was appointed again in July of 2021. Mr. Rashid was appointed again in March of 2023 for a term ending in January of 2027. He fills a Board position requiring a member who has not been a public official, held any political party office other than precinct delegate, or been elected to public office for which party designation is required by statute in the three years preceding the member's appointment to the Board. Mr. Rashid supports the DFL party. Mr. Rashid is a trial lawyer and partner at Greene Espel PLLP with a focus on technology, intellectual property, and trade-secrets disputes. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Carol Flynn
Carol Flynn was appointed to the Board in February of 2015 by Governor Dayton. Ms. Flynn was appointed again in August of 2020. Ms. Flynn was appointed again in March of 2023 for a term ending in January of 2027. She fills a Board position requiring a former DFL legislator. Ms. Flynn served as a state senator from 1990-2000 where she was Majority Whip and Chaired the Judiciary and Transportation Committees. Ms. Flynn worked and studied at the University of Minnesota. She served on the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission and Metropolitan Council where she chaired the Systems Committee. She currently volunteers for senior organizations.
Stephen Swanson
Stephen D. Swanson was appointed to the Board in July of 2017 by Governor Dayton for a term ending in January of 2020, but because no appointment was made to replace him, Mr. Swanson continued to serve until July 1, of 2020. In August of 2020, Governor Walz reappointed Mr. Swanson to a term ending in January of 2024, but because no appointment was made to replace him, Mr. Swanson continued to serve through June of 2024. In June of 2024, Governor Walz reappointed Mr. Swanson to a term ending in January of 2028. He occupies an unrestricted Board position and supports the DFL party. Mr. Swanson is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and holds a Master of Laws degree from New York University. Following a career as an attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, Inc. Mr. Swanson served as a Hennepin County District Court Judge from July of 1989 to February of 2007 and as a Senior Judge from January of 2009 to April of 2014. He served as a temporary administrative law judge with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings from May 2014 to May 2017. Mr. Swanson has served as an international judge on the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and worked in USAID-sponsored rule of law projects in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Lebanon. Mr. Swanson was employed as a half-time housing attorney with the Volunteer Lawyers Network. Mr. Swanson is presently an arbitrator for the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services on the Peace Officer Grievance Arbitration Roster.
George Soule
George Soule was appointed to the Board in March of 2021 by Governor Walz for a term ending in January of 2025. He occupies an unrestricted Board position and does not have a political party affiliation. Mr. Soule is a trial lawyer and founding partner of Soule & Stull LLC in Minneapolis. He also serves as a tribal court of appeals judge for five Minnesota tribes, including the White Earth Nation, where he is a member. Mr. Soule is a former Chair of the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection and serves on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Harvard Law School.
Dave Kleis
Dave Kleis was appointed to the Board in August of 2024 by Governor Walz for a term ending in January of 2028. He fills a Board position requiring a former Republican legislator. Dave Kleis has been serving as the Mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota, since 2005. He is recognized as the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. Before becoming mayor, Kleis served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1995 to 2005. Kleis grew up in Litchfield, Minnesota, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Cloud State University with degrees in Political Science and History. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Throughout his tenure, Kleis has been known for his focus on community building, partnerships, and improving local infrastructure. He has also been involved in various public committees and initiatives, including being a founding member and co-chair of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Government Financing.