Joe Froehlich, a long-time executive with the Michigan Lottery, has been appointed Acting Commissioner of the state lottery following the resignation of the incumbent Suzanna Shkreli.
The state government announced that Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Froehlich to the role earlier this week, with the commissioner having held key roles at the lottery in addition to extensive administrative and legal experience beforehand.
The executive has previously served as the lottery’s Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs and Charitable Gaming, and Director of Compliance and Legal Affairs.
“The Michigan Lottery helps us make record investments every year into our schools, and their success is supported by a team of professionals who ensure our games are run smoothly,” said Governor Whitmer.
“I’m proud to announce Joe Froehlich as acting commissioner of the Michigan Lottery, ensuring a seamless transition as Suzanna Shkreli resigns effective today. The incredible team at the Michigan Lottery will continue working together to run our games effectively and with full integrity.”
Prior to joining the Michigan Lottery, Froehlich held roles in the Michigan government, namely management roles within the Michigan Department of the Attorney General – legal roles being a common trend throughout his professional career.
He had previously worked as a law clerk and court officer in the Ingham County Circuit Court, while also working in legal matters in property and casualty insurance.
Shkreli is vacating the role to pursue other political endeavours, having decided to run for the position of Michigan Secretary of State for the Democratic Party.
The incumbent politician holding the role, Jocelyn Benson, is approaching the end of her term and is preparing a bid to become state Governor as her next career move.
“I’m grateful to Suzanna for her service to the people of Michigan as Lottery Commissioner,” said Governor Whitmer.
“She’s led the commission through multiple record-breaking years, facilitating billion-dollar investments into Michigan’s public schools. She’s served in my administration in various roles since 2019, and I’m grateful for all her work to move our state forward.”
The Michigan Lottery routinely raises hundreds of millions to billions of dollars for in-state good causes, with education often a key fundraising target.
The lottery is also a target partner for many B2B firms, having worked with a diverse range of companies including IGT (now Brightstar), Instant Win Gaming and Pollard Banknote.