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Robert McFarlin
Metropolitan Council Member, District 3

Robert McFarlin was appointed to the Metropolitan Council by Governor Tim Pawlenty in December 2008, with an effective date of January 2, 2009. He represents District 3, which includes Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Orono, Wayzata and several other Lake Minnetonka communities.

McFarlin is vice president of corporate, community and public affairs at the public relations firm of 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 (Mn/DOT), 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 master 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. He lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Kimberly, and their three children.