Governor Tina Kotek today announced that Michael Wells, interim director of the Oregon Lottery, has been appointed to lead the agency as permanent director, pending confirmation by the Oregon Senate in September.
The director serves as the Secretary and Executive Officer of the Oregon Lottery Commission and is responsible for the administration and management of the agency.
“The Oregon Lottery funds critical state services like education, state parks, and veteran services,” Governor Kotek said. “It is imperative that the director is an experienced leader who will champion transparency and accountability. During his time at the Oregon Lottery, Michael has worked closely with staff, the Commission, and stakeholders to lead with the highest standards of security and integrity.”
Michael Wells (he/him) has held the interim director role at the Oregon Lottery since December 2022. Previously, he held positions in leadership at the Oregon Lottery as the Assistant Director for Security & Compliance and as a Cyber Crime Manager.
Prior to joining the Oregon Lottery, Wells spent more than 24 years working in local, state, and federal law enforcement. Most recently, he served as a special agent for more than 10 years in the organized crime section of the Oregon Department of Justice and was a member of the FBI’s Cyber Crime Task Force conducting computer intrusion investigations. Wells has served as a police officer for various agencies, including Oregon State Police.
Wells has been a member of Cyber Oregon, Oregon’s Cybersecurity Advisory Council, and is a board member of the Oregon Peace Officer Association. He has previously served on the Public Safety Fund Memorial Board, the Police Policy Committee and the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) Committee.
“During my tenure as interim director, I’ve had the privilege of leading an exceptional team dedicated to ensuring the Lottery’s ongoing support of its beneficiaries and key programs across our state,” Interim Director Wells said. “I appreciate Governor Kotek’s trust in my leadership and look forward to leading the work of the Oregon Lottery in funding critical programs that serve Oregonians.”
Media Contact:
Anca Matica, Press Secretary to Governor Kotek
Anca.Matica@Oregon.Gov
Melanie Mesaros, Oregon Lottery
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov