Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Ann L. Carrott to a Seventh Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in the city of Alexandria in Douglas County. The vacancy occurred with the retirement of the Honorable John E. Pearson on September 7, 2007. The Minnesota Supreme Court certified the chambers of this position for the city of Alexandria in Douglas County.

Carrott is an attorney with the Alexandria law firm of Swenson, Lervick, Syverson, Trosvig, Jacobson, a position she has held since 1997. She was the Douglas County Attorney in Alexandria from 1984 to 1996, and an assistant Morrison County Attorney in Little Falls from 1981 to 1984. Carrott earned her juris doctorate degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul in 1980, and her bachelor of arts degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1973.

“Ann brings a tremendous background in both civil and criminal experience to the position as well as a wealth of trial experience,” Governor Pawlenty said. “She is also an active and respected member of the Douglas County community. She will be a great judge.”

Carrott is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association; Minnesota Board of Law Examiners; Minnesota Women Lawyers, currently serving as the Seventh District liaison; Minnesota City Attorneys Association; and Douglas County Bar Association, serving as president in 1995. She has also taught a number of courses and seminars at Alexandria Technical College, is past president of the Bethany Community Advisory Board, is a board member and past president of the Douglas County Library Board of Trustees, a volunteer teacher for the Independent School District #206 First Grade Junior Achievement Program, and numerous other community organizations.

Carrott, 55, was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and lives in Alexandria with her husband, James Odden. They have one son, Mark Odden, 18.