Governor appoints Trout Creek senator as Lottery Director

Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Sen. Bob Brown, R-Trout Creek, to serve as the state’s Lottery Director, Gianforte’s office said Thursday.

“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Montana in the legislature, and I look forward to continuing to do so in my new role as lottery director,” Brown said in a statement. “Thank you to the governor for his continued support and confidence.”

Brown is taking over the role from former Director Scott Sales, who resigned last month and is running for a seat in the state House this election cycle. Brown served in both legislative chambers, starting his legislative career in 2015 in the House and winning election to the Senate first in 2020. Brown will start his new position on March 1.

Gianforte said in a statement Brown’s legislative experience would help him in his new leadership position.

“I am confident he will build upon the Montana Lottery’s progress that has more than doubled the amount of money transferred to the general fund and improved experiences with the games,” Gianforte said.

Brown previously worked as a general contractor in the construction industry and spent five years as a special needs educational coordinator at the Spring Creek Lodge Academy in Sanders Count.

The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit newsroom.