SHAKOPEE, MN – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently appointed longtime commissioner Camille McArdle, DVM, as the new chair of the Minnesota Racing Commission (“MRC”). Dr. McArdle replaces James S. Lane, III, who announced his retirement from the MRC at the conclusion of his term.
“Having been involved with pari-mutuel racing in Minnesota since 1985 I feel a certain degree of protectiveness toward this industry. I and my fellow Commissioners will always strive to ensure that horse racing in this state continues to be a quality and ethical experience for all participants,” said McArdle, who brings a rich history of involvement in the racing industry in Minnesota, both as a practicing veterinarian and as a racing regulator. After earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine from The Ohio State University in 1982, Dr. McArdle worked as a regulatory veterinarian in Florida before relocating to Minnesota, serving as the first Chief Commission Veterinarian for the MRC. Dr. McArdle was appointed to the MRC in 1993 and has served as a valuable member of the commission since then.
Dr. McArdle replaces James S. Lane, III, who served on the commission since 2009 and as chair for the past two years. “I cannot thank Chair Lane enough for his service and leadership of the Minnesota Racing Commission over the past 12 years. He has guided the MRC and the horse racing industry in Minnesota through many challenges with integrity and honor, and he has left the commission in a strong position going forward,” said Executive Director, Steve May.
Governor Walz also announced the reappointment of Commissioners Barbara Colombo and Raymond Dehn to new six-year positions. Commissioner Colombo is a graduate of the William Mitchell School of Law, and she currently serves as a professor and director of the Healthcare Compliance Certification Program at the Mitchell Hamline University School of Law.
Commissioner Dehn served Minnesota as a State Legislator for eight years and his community, serving as co-facilitator of the Northside Transportation Network among other honorable community efforts. Commissioner Dehn has also served as president of the American Institute of Architecture Students and has twice served on the National Board of the American Institute of Architects.