INDIANAPOLIS (January 13, 2005) -- Governor Mitch Daniels today appointed a trusted judicial leader to serve as the executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission and a marketing executive to lead the State Lottery Commission.

Ernest Yelton of Brazil, a Clay County Circuit Court judge for more than 25 years, will lead the Indiana Gaming Commission, and Esther Schneider, executive director of the Senate Majority Campaign Committee, will become director of the State Lottery Commission.

"Our first concern is the integrity of gaming operations in our state and in any decisions about their oversight and regulation," said Daniels. "Ernie brings impeccable integrity to the Commission with his knowledge of the law and attention to detail."

Yelton has served as Clay County Circuit Court judge since 1979, following five years of private law practice. He was the president of the Indiana Judges Association and a member of the Indiana Judicial Conference board of directors from 1991 to 1993. He earned his law degree from Indiana University.

"There are serious questions facing the Indiana Gaming Commission, and there will be more to come" said Yelton. "Governor Daniels and Hoosiers across the state are placing their trust in us to make the right decisions the first time around, and we will deliver nothing less."

Schneider has more than 20 years of advertising and public relations experience, as well as a strong background in political and government affairs. She has worked in various capacities for advertising, broadcasting and media consulting companies.

"With Schneider's expertise and experience, we will be able to take a fresh look at the state's lottery system," Daniels said.

"Our first assignment is to make sure that the recent scandal of lottery money stolen through inside information is never repeated," said Schneider. "I look forward to putting my business and marketing skills to work for Governor Daniels."

Daniels also announced the appointment of David N. Shane as senior advisor to the governor for education and employment. He will be responsible for workforce development, higher education and K-12 education. Shane will be on a leave of absence as president and chief operating officer from LDI, Ltd., in Indianapolis.

"Our mission is higher personal income for Hoosiers, and to that end, we must help them achieve higher levels of education and workforce preparation. That will be Dave's focus," said the governor.

Shane has served in multiple volunteer roles in higher and K-12 education over the last decade. He's been a member of the Indiana Education Roundtable and chair of the K-12 Subcommittee of the Government Efficiency Commission.

"Education is now the primary driver of opportunity for our citizens and competitiveness for our employers," said Shane. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to help."