For immediate release:   January 4, 2005
Contact:  Gary R. Viken, Secretary Department of Revenue & Regulation, (605) 773-5131

Pierre Man Named State Lottery Director

(Pierre) – Secretary of Revenue & Regulation Gary Viken today announced that Norman Lingle of Pierre has been chosen to head the South Dakota Lottery.

“We did a careful and extensive interview process to find the right manager for the Lottery,” Viken said. “Norm is an effective manager with the right skillset. We’re looking forward to having him join the Lottery. He’ll do an excellent job.”

Since 1989, Lingle has served as the manager of the Community Development Block Grant program for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where he has worked with communities from across the state on more than 100 development projects.

Lingle fills the director position vacated by Clint Harris, who left the South Dakota Lottery this past fall to take the helm of the Minnesota State Lottery. Lingle begins his duties at the Lottery on January 18, 2005, at a salary of $58,000. He says he’s ready for the challenge.

“I’m excited to start,” Lingle said. “I’m looking forward to continuing an efficient, fair and fun Lottery to raise revenues for the state.”

The South Dakota Lottery is part of the state Department of Revenue & Regulation. In fiscal year 2004, the Lottery generated more than $115 million in revenue to the state.

Lingle has a bachelor of science degree in economics from South Dakota State University and is a certified economic development finance professional. He is a member of the Pierre Public School Board; Lingle, 40, and his wife Sarah have three children.