Gov. Branstad appoints Delores Mertz to Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Thomas Phillips to Iowa Board of Parole

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Branstad today appointed Delores Mertz to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and reappointed Thomas Phillips to the Iowa Board of Parole.

Mertz, an Ottosen native, currently serves on the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission – a position from which she will resign prior to assuming her new duties. She will begin her term on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on May 1, 2012. Her term will last 3 years.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission was established in 1983 after the Iowa Legislature passed the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act. The commission investigates the eligibility of applicants and selects from those who can best serve Iowans.

Thomas Phillips, a Waukee native, is being reappointed to the Iowa Board of Parole after being named to the position on January 24, 2011. Phillips will serve a 4-year term beginning on May 1, 2012.

The Iowa Board of Parole reviews and interviews inmates for parole or work release, gathers and reviews information regarding new parole and work release programs, and determines which programs may be useful to Iowa.

The appointments of both Mertz and Phillips are subject to Senate confirmation.