Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Darcy Hitesman and Kristine Sundberg to the Minnesota Racing Commission.

Hitesman, of Maple Grove, is an attorney with Hitesman & Associates in Minneapolis. She is also a member of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Advisory Board, the Eagle Community Bank Board of Directors, and various legal professional associations. Hitesman replaces Cynthia Piper for a six-year term that expires on June 30, 2009.

Sundberg, of Minnetonka, is a strategic communications consultant with over 20 years of broad-based communications and public relations experience for a number of Fortune 500 companies. Sundberg replaces Thomas Brownell for a six-year term that expires on June 30, 2009.

In addition, the Governor named Dr. Camille McArdle, DVM, chair of the Racing Commission. McArdle, of Corcoran, is a veterinarian and has been a member of the commission since 1993.

The Minnesota Racing Commission licenses persons and organizations to operate racetracks, conduct horse racing, and conduct pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing; enforces and collects all applicable taxes and license fees; establishes a Minnesota Breeders' Fund; and, operates a card club. The commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.