Interim appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of long-serving executive director Don Brownlee
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has appointed Dominique John Lopez as the acting director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.
The appointment of Lopez fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Don Brownlee, who served as executive director for 11 years.
Lopez has been with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission since 2008 in several capacities, including as an enforcement agent, regional security manager, director of licensing and sports wagering, and director of gambling.
Prior to his time with the Commission, he worked for the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years.
“I’d like to extend my appreciation to Don Brownlee for his dedicated service to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission,” said Governor Kelly. “I am confident D.J.’s years of experience at the Commission, as well as his time in law enforcement, will lead to wise, steady leadership in his role as Executive Director.”
Commenting on his appointment, Lopez said: “I would like to thank Governor Kelly for the opportunity to serve as the interim executive director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. I look forward to continuing the standard set by former executive director Don Brownlee over the last several years.”
Lopez’s appointment as executive director remains subject to Senate confirmation.