St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Mark Dayton today appointed Minnesota businessman Michael Vekich to head the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.

Vekich replaces Michelle Kelm-Helgen, who resigned earlier this year amid a scandal over the use of luxury suites at the new Vikings stadium by family and friends of the leaders of the organization. Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz has been serving as interim chair since Kelm-Helgen’s departure in February.

“I am grateful to former Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz for her superb leadership, in chairing the Stadium Authority Board. Michael Vekich will be an outstanding successor. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly served the State of Minnesota with great distinction,” said Governor Dayton.

Dayton also appointed Laura Bishop to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Board to fill a vacancy that was created by Blatz’s appointment as interim chair.

Vekich will begin serving in a leadership position after the board’s next meeting on July 21st. His resume of public service is lengthy and includes his current position as Chair of the Minnesota State Board of Trustees.

 

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