Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of James S. Lane III, and the reappointment of Darcy Hitesman and Kristine Sundberg to the Minnesota Racing Commission. All three are appointed to six-year terms that expire on June 30, 2015.

Hitesman, of Maple Grove, is an attorney with – and founder of – Hitesman & Associates, P.A. In addition to serving as a member of the Minnesota Racing Commission since 2003 and chair since 2004, she is also a member of the Racing Commissioners International Board of Directors. She also serves on the Eagle Community Bank Board of Directors, numerous professional legal associations, and previously served on the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Maple Grove Planning Commission, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Advisory Board, and a number of other committees. Hitesman earned her law degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School, and her bachelor of arts degree summa cum laude from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Lane, of Medina, is a self-employed attorney with a practice in business, corporate, real estate and equine law, including thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. He is a former director of communications with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in Lexington, Kentucky, and was also vice president, secretary and legal counsel with North Ridge Farms, Inc., a thoroughbred horse breeding farm. Lane is a past president of the Minnesota Horse Council, and VTH Partners – an auxiliary of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and serves on the Animal Humane Society of the Twin Cities Board of Directors. He also served on the Medina City Council, Park Commission, and Planning Commission. Lane earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul and his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. Lane replaces Kathleen Preece on the Racing Commission.

Sundberg, of Minnetonka, is the owner of The Links Group, a public relations, marketing and public affairs firm. She has over 20 years of experience as a strategic communications, broad-based communications, and public relations consultant for a number of Fortune 500 companies, which have earned her numerous professional awards. Sundberg earned her master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and her bachelor of arts degree from St. Cloud State University. Sundberg has been a member of the Racing Commission since 2003.

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.