Governor Tim Walz has appointed Kyle Gustafson to serve as the Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director. He replaces interim executive director Charlene Briner.

“I’m grateful to have Kyle Gustafson join our team and step up to this important position,” said Governor Walz. “His leadership in state government and his passion for racing will serve him well as he assumes this new role.”

“Kyle Gustafson understands the importance of having a wide array of voices from across the racing community at the table,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “His leadership and commitment to engaging tribes and Minnesota’s diverse communities will be a great asset for the commission and our state.”

“I appreciate the opportunity from the Walz-Flanagan administration to support the Racing Commission’s goals,” said Kyle Gustafson. “I look forward to working with the commissioners and staff to maintain Minnesota’s reputation for integrity and safety in horse racing and to promote the state’s horse racing and breeding industry.”

Gustafson is the interim director of the Property Tax Division at the Minnesota Department of Revenue, which oversees the fair and equitable administration of the property tax system in the state. Previously, Gustafson was a supervising attorney in the department’s Appeals and Legal Services Division, where he provided legal analysis and assisted with the agency’s legislative and rule making efforts. He began his career in state service as an Assistant Attorney General with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and litigated cases on behalf of the Department of Revenue and Department of Public Safety. Gustafson earned his B.A. from Hamline University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. Gustafson is a lifelong fan of horse racing and enjoys spending days at the track with his family.