More appointments have been announced in the USDA Undersecretary's office that oversees the Horse Protection Act.

     Lisa Bertelson has been named special assistant to the undersecretary of marketing and regulatory services. A Wisconsin native, Bertelson was a research associate for the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production and worked on President Barack Obama's Senate staff.

     Luke Knowles, an Alaskan who worked on the Obama campaign and transition team, will be the confidential assistant to the undersecretary for marketing and regulatory service.

     As reported previously, President Obama has nominated Edward Avalos, a New Mexico marketing specialist, for the post of undersecretary for markerting and regulatory service.