Shakopee, MN – The Minnesota Racing Commission is pleased to welcome David Koob as the newest member of the Commission. Mr. Koob was appointed by Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan effective March 7, 2022.

Koob has over twenty years of civil and regulatory litigation experience and is currently employed by the prestigious Donna Law Firm, P.C. in Minneapolis. Born in North Dakota, he is a graduate of University of Minnesota Law School and 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 volunteers as the vice president of Valley Athletic Association, a non-profit youth sports organization.

David Koob has been appointed to the Minnesota Racing Commision. 

Koob’s legal specialties include but are not limited to general liability, employment law, investigative matters, and corporate counsel. He has worked alongside the Minnesota Racing Commission’s administrative hearings during his time at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and brings legal expertise to the Commission.

“The Minnesota Racing Commission is honored and excited about the appointment of Commissioner Koob. Commissioner Koob brings a long history of legal expertise to the Commission, and his ties to both the Commission through previous public sector work as well as the sports community in Minnesota will be extreme useful,” said Executive Director Steve May.

Commissioner Koob will be replacing Commissioner James S. Lane, III, who announced his retirement from the Commission effective at the end of his term in 2021. Commissioner Lane served on the Minnesota Racing Commission since 2009 and was the chair from 2019-2021. The Minnesota Racing Commission is grateful to Commissioner Lane for his years of experience and passion for the horse racing industry, both in Minnesota and on the national level.

The Minnesota Racing Commission has full confidence Commissioner Koob will be a great asset to the regulation of horse racing, card playing, and pari-mutuel wagering in Minnesota, and help ensure conduct and integrity in ways that benefit the public interest and the horse racing industry.

The Minnesota Racing Commission was founded in 1984 to oversee the welfare and safety of live horse racing in the state of Minnesota. The Commission is comprised of nine members, each of whom bring years of expertise in their respective fields for six-year appointments. All members are appointed by the governor and lieutenant governor, with senate approval. Commissioners must be a resident of the State of Minnesota for at least five years prior to appointment and must have a background and experience that qualifies them for commission service.