ST. PAUL — Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed a new director for the Minnesota State Lottery.

Dayton named Robert Doty to the lottery’s top job on Wednesday. Doty has served in top financial roles for Minneapolis Public Schools and most recently, the Harvest Network of charter schools.

Doty’s appointment restores stability to the state lottery since its previous director abruptly resigned.

last winter amid questions about his travel expenditures.

Ed Van Petten stepped in February 2016 after the Star Tribune revealed he was reimbursed for questionable expenses.

Doty will take over for interim executive director Michael Vekich beginning May 1. Dayton says his financial and management experience will serve the state lottery well.