The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee has hired Teresa McFarland, who is a partner in McFarland Cahill Communications, Prior Lake, to serve as communications director.

McFarland will manage communications for the marketing and promotion of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and the region in relation to the upcoming Republican National Convention.

“Teresa brings a great deal of experience to her role with the host committee and will undoubtedly prove to be a strong asset to our organization as we begin the countdown to the Republican National Convention,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “She has handled communications on many high-profile events and has a great deal of experience working with a variety of organizations to meet a common goal.”

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is the nonprofit, nonpartisan entity charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minnesota in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

More than 45,000 people, including 15,000 media members, are expected to attend the convention. The last national political convention in Minnesota was the Republican National Convention held in 1892.

“I am excited to serve in this role and to share the good news about the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area as well as the great things this region and Minnesota have to offer,” McFarland said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am thrilled to be participating.”

McFarland began her duties Feb. 11 and will continue to work with the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee through the Convention, which will be held Sept. 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.