Commissioners
David Koob
Term Expires: 6/30/2028
David Koob was appointed to the Minnesota Racing Commission in March 2022. Mr. Koob has over twenty years of civil and regulatory litigation experience and is currently employed by Spencer Fane LLP, a prestigious national law firm. He received his undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic Institute and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served as an adjunct professor for over a decade at the Michell Hamline School of Law. Mr. Koob is also a member of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, and is the Vice President of the Valley Athletic Association, a non-profit youth sports organization.
Barbara Colombo
Term Expires: 6/30/2027
Barbara Colombo, is a Professor of Law and Director of the Health Law Institute at Mitchell Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, MN. She graduated with honors from William Mitchell College of Law and practiced with the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi. Prior to her law career, Ms. Colombo practiced as a critical care registered nurse. She has also served as the Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health and is a former member of the Animal Humane Society focusing on equine matters. Ms. Colombo is the President of the Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition which provides financial assistance to Minnesota’s most vulnerable horses.
Raymond Dehn
Term Expires: 6/30/2027
Prior to his election to the State Legislature in 2012, Ray was active in his community, serving as a co-facilitator of the Northside Transportation Network, a member of Minneapolis’ Capital Long-range Improvement Committee, and as a leader of Take Action Minnesota’s Justice for All campaign. In addition, Ray is a 2012 Bush Fellow, a 2013 BILLD (Bowhay Institute Legislative Leadership Development) Fellow and a 2016 Henry Toll Fellow. Ray has served as the national president of the American Institute of Architecture Students and has twice served on the National Board of the American Institute of Architects.
Johnny Johnson
Term Expires: 6/30/2029
*Bio and picture pending*
Melanie Benjamin
Term Expires: 6/30/2029
*Bio and picture pending*
Lisa Goodman
Term Expires: 6/30/2031
Lisa Goodman was appointed to the Minnesota Racing Commission in March 2014. She has served as chair of the racehorse aftercare committee and as a member of the finance and administrative affairs committees. She is a native of Chicago, Illinois and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in political science and labor relations. Ms. Goodman is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the City of Minneapolis. She retired as a member of the Minneapolis City Council after 26 years in 2023. She serves on the board of directors of Temple Israel, Mission Animal Hospital a highly regarded nonprofit animal hospital in the Twin Cities and is the founder of Dog Grounds a non profit which has built and managed dog parks in downtown Minneapolis.
Whitney Place
Term Expires: 6/30/2031
Whitney Place is the Director of Government Relations and Agriculture Outreach at the University of Minnesota Extension. Prior to joining Extension, she was appointed by the to serve as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Minnesota. Place has served in several roles at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, most recently as an Assistant Commissioner where she led state efforts related to water quality, pesticides, industrial hemp, dairy assistance, and rural mental health. Place earned a Bachelor of Science in applied plant science and a Master of Science in science, technology, and environmental policy from the University of Minnesota.
Michael Vekich
Term Expires: 6/30/2031
Michael Vekich is an experienced senior executive known for innovative and effective leadership of complex organizations with a proven track record of providing business and financial counsel. Vekich was appointed to the BNCCORP, INC. Board of Directors in March 2017, and named chair in December 2019. Vekich was appointed Chair and a director of the BNC National Bank in January 2020. Since 1998, Mr. Vekich has been the Chief Executive Officer of Vekich Chartered, management advisors, specializing in investment banking, strategic planning, repositioning organizations and governance. In July 2017, Mr. Vekich was appointed by the Governor to serve as Chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. He has significant prior experience serving as a board member for a number of banking companies. Mr. Vekich received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Public Accountant; Certified Global Management Accountant; Certified Board Advisor; and holds a Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight.
