Gov. Laura Kelly nominated an 18-year employee of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to serve as acting executive director of the agency responsible for regulating state-controlled casinos and sports wagering.
D.J. Lopez, who began work at the commission in 2008 after 13 years at the Lyons County Sheriff’s Department, was selected by the governor to fill the vacancy created by retirement of Don Brownlee, who held the position of executive director for 11 years.
Kelly said Brownlee provided dedicated service to the commission. He was appointed executive director in 2015 by Gov. Sam Brownback and reappointed in 2019 by Kelly.
Lopez has worked for the commission as an enforcement agent, regional security manager, director of licensing and sports wagering, and director of gambling.
