Waseca Business Leader Appointed to Governor’s Criminal Justice Advisory Group

Waseca Business Leader Appointed to Key Advisory Group on Criminal Justice Information Systems

Waseca, MN — In a significant move to enhance the integration of information systems within Minnesota’s criminal justice framework, Governor Tim Walz has appointed Reyna Monson, a prominent business leader from Waseca, to the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group. This appointment, announced on August 22, positions Monson to bring her extensive expertise in information technology to the forefront of state policy-making.

Monson, who serves as the President and part owner of Pantheon Computers, is set to attend her first meeting with the Advisory Group in November, following its quarterly gathering last month. The group is responsible for preparing a biennial report for the state legislature, detailing the status of statewide criminal justice information systems and offering recommendations for legislative changes and funding requests.

The Advisory Group comprises representatives from various organizations, including the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Minnesota Association of Counties, and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Their collective mission is to study and recommend improvements to the state’s criminal justice information systems, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of law enforcement and the public.

Monson’s journey to this pivotal role is both inspiring and unconventional. An ordained Lutheran minister, she transitioned to the tech industry in 2010 when she joined Pantheon as a temporary employee. Over the past 15 years, she has risen through the ranks to become a key leader in the company, which specializes in managed IT and network security services for small and medium-sized businesses across Southern Minnesota.

Her unique background as a pastor has equipped her with valuable skills in administration and leadership, which she believes are crucial for her new role. “Many of the skills I learned as a pastor have served me well at Pantheon,” Monson stated. “Pastors, especially in small congregations, often take on significant administrative responsibilities.”

Pantheon Computers has developed a strong rapport with local police departments, many of which face complex information security challenges. Monson noted that these departments often struggle to comply with the latest regulations designed to protect sensitive data. Her experience working closely with the BCA has given her insight into the specific needs of these smaller agencies.

“When I learned there was a vacancy on the Advisory Board for a private sector leader with experience in integrated information systems, it made too much sense not to apply,” Monson explained. “I felt I could offer a valuable perspective on the challenges that average police departments face in enacting these policies.”

As Monson prepares to take her seat on the Advisory Group, her appointment is seen as a vital step toward improving the security and efficiency of Minnesota’s criminal justice information systems. Her insights and experience are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue about how best to protect sensitive information while supporting law enforcement agencies across the state.

For more updates on this story and other local news, stay tuned.