Corbett nominates Benson, Rucci to Penn State board

(Harrisburg) -- Governor Corbett is turning to a National Hockey League executive and a former director of the Pennsylvania Lottery to be the next two members of the Penn State Board of Trustees.

The governor has nominated Buffalo Sabres chief development officer Cliff Benson - who's also a former member of the board of Jerry Sandusky's charity for children - and the lottery's former executive director, Todd Rucci.

The nominations are subject to the approval of a majority of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Benson and Rucci would take the board seats currently held by Ira Lubert and Alvin Clemens.

The governor's office says Benson was ``instrumental in facilitating'' an $88 million donation by Sabres owner Terry Pegula that funded the university's hockey program three years ago.