Newsroom

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Dominique John (D.J.) Lopez as the Acting Director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, effective July 6, 2026. This appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Don Brownlee, who served in the role of Executive Director for 11 years. 

"I’d like to extend my appreciation to Don Brownlee for his dedicated service to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission," Governor Laura Kelly said. "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."

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. Lopez obtained his Law Enforcement Certification through the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

"I would like to thank Governor Kelly for the opportunity to serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission," said D.J. Lopez. "I look forward to continuing the standard set by Former Executive Director Don Brownlee over the last several years."

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is empowered by the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act and the Pari-mutuel Racing Act to regulate expanded gaming and pari-mutuel racing in Kansas. The Commission oversees many regulatory duties, including audit/electronic security, licensing, and responsible gambling. As both a regulatory and criminal justice agency, the Commission’s main missions are to seek compliance, enforce the law, and ensure gambling at facilities across Kansas is conducted with integrity. 

Lopez's appointment as Executive Director is subject to Senate confirmation. 

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