[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today appointed Adam Prock to serve as the Executive Director of the Minnesota State Lottery. Prock has served as the Director of Communications and Government Relations for the Minnesota State Lottery since August 2017 and brings over two decades of governmental relations experience to the role. Prock succeeds Robert Doty, who has served as Executive Director since April 2017. This appointment is effective immediately.

“I am proud to appoint Adam Prock as the Executive Director of the Minnesota State Lottery,” said Governor Walz. “It was important for us to fill this position with someone who understands what it takes to provide both long-term vision and day-to-day management for this unique and integral institution. Over his career, Adam has demonstrated his ability to build key relationships, understand complicated regulations, and maintain the high standards of integrity, security, and transparency we’ve come to expect from our Lottery.”

“The Minnesota State Lottery generates critical funds for programs that protect Minnesota’s environment, and support public education, local government assistance, and public safety,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Every county in Minnesota has received lottery dollars to help make important projects a reality. I am confident that Adam feels the same commitment to making our state a better place that the Governor and I do.”

“I am honored to serve the Minnesota State Lottery and the people of Minnesota in this new capacity,” said Adam Prock. “I believe my experience with the Lottery coupled with my skills in executive management and relationship-building will ensure we can keep making a positive impact on our state.” 

“Adam impressed the panel with his vision, passion, and experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders in the state,” said John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota and member of the hiring panel.  “Adam can hit the ground running having worked at the Lottery in the past and being successful in developing relationships and collaborating with government and private sector parties in the state.”

“As a former director of the Minnesota Lottery, I understand the type of leadership and vision it takes to run a unique and dynamic organization like the Lottery,” said Michael Vekich, CEO of Vekich Chartered and member of the hiring panel. “I was impressed with Adam’s deep understanding of the Minnesota Lottery and how it fits into the landscape of government agencies and programs, as well as the lives of Minnesotans. I’m looking forward to seeing his leadership in action.”

“I was honored to be a part of this process and was very impressed by all the candidates,” said Ann Anaya, Chief Diversity Officer for 3M. “I am looking forward to watching Adam’s expertise and enthusiasm help shape the continued evolution of the Minnesota Lottery.”

About Adam Prock

Adam Prock, 46, has over 20 years of governmental relations experience. He is currently the Director of Communications and Government Relations for the Minnesota State Lottery, a position he has held since August 2017. As a key member of the Lottery’s Executive Team, he was responsible for developing internal and external branding and pro-actively building relationships with legislators and stakeholders. Prior to the Lottery, Prock served on the Government Relations team for the City of St. Paul, and as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Mark Dayton.

He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

About the Minnesota State Lottery

The Minnesota State Lottery raises money for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. Since 1990, the Lottery has generated $2.9 billion to help restore, enhance, and protect high-quality habitat for Minnesota wildlife, fight invasive species, protect native species and improve air and water quality through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Natural Resources Fund, and the Game and Fish Fund.

About the Hiring Process

The application and hiring process was facilitated by Minnesota Management and Budget. From 71 applications, the hiring panel interviewed six candidates and recommended three finalists. The hiring panel was made up of Commissioner Myron Frans, John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, Michael Vekich, CEO of Vekich Chartered and former Interim Director of the Lottery, and Ann Anaya, Chief Diversity Officer for 3M. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan interviewed the finalists and made their selection.

In the interest of transparency, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is releasing the names of the other finalists considered for the position. They are Randy Forrester and Caren Petrulo-Berry.