If you thought that maybe having a former local legislator at the helm of the Michigan Lottery Commission would give all of us here in the region a little extra mojo when buying lucky tickets, you might want to get your next few tickets in a hurry…because that connection is being severed this weekend.
Gov. Rick Snyder announced today that he has accepted the resignation of former State Rep. Aric Nesbitt as Commissioner of the Michigan Lottery and has appointed Brian O. Neill, the Lottery’s Chief Deputy Commissioner, to the post.
Nesbitt is stepping down as Lottery Commissioner to explore other options for public service. The Lawton lawmaker had served in the State House until being term-limited out off office and was appointed by Snyder to take the lead position with the state’s Lottery team.
The Lottery Commissioner is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Lottery, including the development of long-range plans, formulation of policy, and assuring the accountability and integrity of the Lottery. The Commissioner also establishes and maintains contact with state legislators to research, evaluate, and gauge the impact of Lottery-related legislation.
In accepting Nesbitt’s resignation, the Governor said, “I thank Aric for his leadership at the Lottery and for his long-standing commitment to serving the people of Michigan. Under his management, the Lottery provided a record $924.1 million to the School Aid Fund last year to help support public education in our state.”
For his part, Nesbitt says, “It has been an honor to serve in Gov. Snyder’s cabinet,” and adds, “I greatly appreciate the opportunity that the Governor provided for me to serve the public by leading the Lottery team.”
The 38-year old Nesbitt became the Lottery’s ninth Commissioner on February 19th, 2017. Before heading up the Lottery, Nesbitt had served three full terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Neill has served as the Lottery’s Chief Deputy Commissioner since 2016. In that position, he has been responsible for managing the ongoing operations and administration of the Lottery. Before taking that post, he served as the Lottery’s Deputy Commissioner for Compliance and Legal Affairs and interim Chief Financial Officer.
Neill joined the Lottery in 2013 after serving as an Assistant Attorney General in the Michigan Department of Attorney General for nine years.
Neill earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan at Dearborn and his law degree from Ohio Northern University College of Law.
Nesbitt’s resignation takes effect on Saturday and Neill’s appointment begins on Sunday. Neill will serve at the pleasure of the Governor. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Nesbitt did not reveal specific plans going forward.
