Biographies of the 2026 Lottery Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
Gretchen Corbin, President and CEO, Georgia Lottery Corporation
Gretchen Corbin became President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation starting January 1, 2018. As President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, Corbin’s business goal is to fulfill the Corporation’s mission to responsibly maximize revenues for HOPE and Pre-K, ensuring that Georgia’s students continue to have access to these important educational programs.
Under Corbin’s leadership, Georgia Lottery sales have experienced unprecedented growth. In FY25, Georgia Lottery gross sales reached $6.02 billion. Corbin’s leadership has had a direct impact on Georgia’s students, families and communities.
Since becoming President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, more than 696,000 students have received HOPE Scholarships and Grants, more than 608,000 4-year-olds have attended Georgia’s Pre-K program, and 690 Georgia Lottery players have become millionaires.
Corbin recently served terms as President of the North American Association of State and provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. She currently serves as NASPL’s Responsible Gaming Committee Chair, a board member of Women in Lottery Leadership and as a representative to the World Lottery Association’s Vendor Committee.
In addition, Gretchen is involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, including Rotary International, Leadership Atlanta, and Leadership Georgia, where she has served as President and Chairman.
Prior to her role at the Georgia Lottery, Corbin served as Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), where students received Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE Grant dollars. At TCSG, Corbin oversaw the state’s 22 technical colleges, 135,000 students, 46,000 economic development trainees, 15,000 employees, an $800 million budget, and a host of economic and workforce development programs, including Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s top-ranked workforce training program.
Corbin joined TCSG from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where she served as Commissioner. At DCA, she oversaw 65 programs and was responsible for more than $71 million in investment in Georgia communities including economic development incentives, community development, and affordable housing investments. Prior to DCA, Corbin served 15 years at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), holding a variety of roles including Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce. Her work within Georgia and throughout the world brought nearly 69,000 jobs and over $13 billion in capital investment to Georgia.
Corbin has been recognized the last 13 years as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgians.” She was named “Georgian of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters; one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Top 20 Women Who Mean Business”; and one of James magazine’s “Most Influential Georgians” for the last eight years. Gretchen, her husband, David, and their two daughters are proud to call Georgia home.
Gretchen Corbin became President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation starting January 1, 2018. As President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, Corbin’s business goal is to fulfill the Corporation’s mission to responsibly maximize revenues for HOPE and Pre-K, ensuring that Georgia’s students continue to have access to these important educational programs.
Under Corbin’s leadership, Georgia Lottery sales have experienced unprecedented growth. In FY25, Georgia Lottery gross sales reached $6.02 billion. Corbin’s leadership has had a direct impact on Georgia’s students, families and communities.
Since becoming President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, more than 696,000 students have received HOPE Scholarships and Grants, more than 608,000 4-year-olds have attended Georgia’s Pre-K program, and 690 Georgia Lottery players have become millionaires.
Corbin recently served terms as President of the North American Association of State and provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. She currently serves as NASPL’s Responsible Gaming Committee Chair, a board member of Women in Lottery Leadership and as a representative to the World Lottery Association’s Vendor Committee.
In addition, Gretchen is involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, including Rotary International, Leadership Atlanta, and Leadership Georgia, where she has served as President and Chairman.
Prior to her role at the Georgia Lottery, Corbin served as Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), where students received Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE Grant dollars. At TCSG, Corbin oversaw the state’s 22 technical colleges, 135,000 students, 46,000 economic development trainees, 15,000 employees, an $800 million budget, and a host of economic and workforce development programs, including Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s top-ranked workforce training program.
Corbin joined TCSG from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where she served as Commissioner. At DCA, she oversaw 65 programs and was responsible for more than $71 million in investment in Georgia communities including economic development incentives, community development, and affordable housing investments. Prior to DCA, Corbin served 15 years at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), holding a variety of roles including Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce. Her work within Georgia and throughout the world brought nearly 69,000 jobs and over $13 billion in capital investment to Georgia.
Corbin has been recognized the last 13 years as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgians.” She was named “Georgian of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters; one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Top 20 Women Who Mean Business”; and one of James magazine’s “Most Influential Georgians” for the last eight years. Gretchen, her husband, David, and their two daughters are proud to call Georgia home.
Jesús Huerta Almendro, President & CEO of SELAE (Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, S.M.E., S.A.), Spain.
Jesús Huerta Almendro leads one of the largest lotteries in Europe, and globally, including the iconic lottery game El Gordo, widely recognised as a symbol of the lottery sector. He is a highly valued member of the EL community: committed, thoughtful, balanced, and hardworking.
As EL’s ExCom member and its representative on the WLA Executive Committee, he plays an important role in ensuring alignment across the global lottery community. His personality helps bring people together and find common ground, even in a very diverse environment.
Jesús Huerta Almendro has served as President and CEO of SELAE since
2018. Under his presidency, the Spanish State-owned company—one of
the oldest lottery organisations in the world, with more than 260 years of history—has successfully combined tradition and innovation.
The iconic El Gordo Christmas Lottery Draw has reached its highest levels of popularity and sales, continuing to grow year after year and reinforcing its cultural significance in Spain. Jesús has strengthened SELAE’s role in benefiting society by supporting social and cultural initiatives, while reinforcing its commitment to responsible gaming and strategic communication as core pillars of the public company. His leadership reflects a broader vision of lottery as a trusted public institution that delivers both entertainment and social value. He holds a degree in law, a Master’s in Healthcare Management, and a Diploma in People Development and Management. His professional career includes extensive experience in the public sector, with responsibilities across IT, risk management, business operations, and human resources.
This multidisciplinary background has informed his balanced and pragmatic leadership style. As Supervisory Chair of the EL Operational Risk and Assurance working group, he has promoted the use of practical tools, including risk reference cards designed for both experts and non-experts, as well as self-assessment frameworks. These tools address key topics such as anti-money laundering, third-party risk, online gaming, and artificial intelligence, providing a foundation for managing both current and emerging challenges.
Jesús believes in reinforcing EL’s role based on three principles: responsible gaming, the relevance of heritage, and the essential contribution lotteries make to society. In his view, collaboration among lotteries is critical to addressing shared challenges and opportunities, including sustainability, equality, and diversity.
Jesús Huerta Almendro leads one of the largest lotteries in Europe, and globally, including the iconic lottery game El Gordo, widely recognised as a symbol of the lottery sector. He is a highly valued member of the EL community: committed, thoughtful, balanced, and hardworking.
As EL’s ExCom member and its representative on the WLA Executive Committee, he plays an important role in ensuring alignment across the global lottery community. His personality helps bring people together and find common ground, even in a very diverse environment.
Jesús Huerta Almendro has served as President and CEO of SELAE since
2018. Under his presidency, the Spanish State-owned company—one of
the oldest lottery organisations in the world, with more than 260 years of history—has successfully combined tradition and innovation.
The iconic El Gordo Christmas Lottery Draw has reached its highest levels of popularity and sales, continuing to grow year after year and reinforcing its cultural significance in Spain. Jesús has strengthened SELAE’s role in benefiting society by supporting social and cultural initiatives, while reinforcing its commitment to responsible gaming and strategic communication as core pillars of the public company. His leadership reflects a broader vision of lottery as a trusted public institution that delivers both entertainment and social value. He holds a degree in law, a Master’s in Healthcare Management, and a Diploma in People Development and Management. His professional career includes extensive experience in the public sector, with responsibilities across IT, risk management, business operations, and human resources.
This multidisciplinary background has informed his balanced and pragmatic leadership style. As Supervisory Chair of the EL Operational Risk and Assurance working group, he has promoted the use of practical tools, including risk reference cards designed for both experts and non-experts, as well as self-assessment frameworks. These tools address key topics such as anti-money laundering, third-party risk, online gaming, and artificial intelligence, providing a foundation for managing both current and emerging challenges.
Jesús believes in reinforcing EL’s role based on three principles: responsible gaming, the relevance of heritage, and the essential contribution lotteries make to society. In his view, collaboration among lotteries is critical to addressing shared challenges and opportunities, including sustainability, equality, and diversity.
Jan Karas, Chairman and CEO, Allwyn Hellas
Jan Karas is the Chairman and CEO of Allwyn Hellas,, the leading lottery and gaming operator in Greece and Cyprus and a key operating company within Allwyn, which is the second largest listed gaming company in the world, with leading market positions across Europe and North America.
During his tenure at the company’s helm, he has led several transformative initiatives – most notably, the historic Allwyn-OPAP business combination and OPAP’s rebranding to Allwyn Hellas in January 2026. Since joining the business in 2014, Mr. Karas has played a central role in aligning the Greek and Cypriot operations with Allwyn Group’s broader strategy, translating Groupwide vision into strong local execution. With a clear focus on digital, innovation, and retail modernization, he has managed to turn vision and strategy into tangible results and sustainable growth. This is reflected in various projects, which upgrade and reshape Allwyn Hellas’ extensive retail network, advance digitalization, and accelerate online business expansion, to reinforce the company’s long-term customer relevance and competitiveness. Under Mr. Karas’ leadership, this mix of commercial acumen and deep customer-centricity has characterized the revamp of the company’s traditional lottery games, the launch of innovative retail and online propositions, and the creation of seamless and engaging player journeys. At the same time, Mr. Karas emphasizes the importance of Responsible Gaming, ESG and giving back to society, firmly believing that these areas are equally important to Allwyn Hellas’ business ambitions.
Today, through major social initiatives, the company stands out as a Corporate Social Responsibility champion in Greece and Cyprus, practically demonstrating that growth and social contribution can and should advance together, delivering lasting value for the business, its partners, customers and society as a whole. In 2023, he was elected in European Lotteries’ (EL) Executive Committee, being re-elected in 2025. In this capacity, he also served as Supervisory Chair of the EL Marketing & Communication Working Group, which was recently renamed to the EL Marketing and Communication Community of Experts. In addition, Mr. Karas is also a Policy Group Member of the WLA CSR Committee. In this framework, he advocates a modern vision for the global gaming industry, in which innovation goes hand in hand with responsibility. This includes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, active cooperation with State and social stakeholders, supporting actions against illegal operators and sports manipulation, and further forging the industry’s visibility and social impact.
Jan Karas is the Chairman and CEO of Allwyn Hellas,, the leading lottery and gaming operator in Greece and Cyprus and a key operating company within Allwyn, which is the second largest listed gaming company in the world, with leading market positions across Europe and North America.
During his tenure at the company’s helm, he has led several transformative initiatives – most notably, the historic Allwyn-OPAP business combination and OPAP’s rebranding to Allwyn Hellas in January 2026. Since joining the business in 2014, Mr. Karas has played a central role in aligning the Greek and Cypriot operations with Allwyn Group’s broader strategy, translating Groupwide vision into strong local execution. With a clear focus on digital, innovation, and retail modernization, he has managed to turn vision and strategy into tangible results and sustainable growth. This is reflected in various projects, which upgrade and reshape Allwyn Hellas’ extensive retail network, advance digitalization, and accelerate online business expansion, to reinforce the company’s long-term customer relevance and competitiveness. Under Mr. Karas’ leadership, this mix of commercial acumen and deep customer-centricity has characterized the revamp of the company’s traditional lottery games, the launch of innovative retail and online propositions, and the creation of seamless and engaging player journeys. At the same time, Mr. Karas emphasizes the importance of Responsible Gaming, ESG and giving back to society, firmly believing that these areas are equally important to Allwyn Hellas’ business ambitions.
Today, through major social initiatives, the company stands out as a Corporate Social Responsibility champion in Greece and Cyprus, practically demonstrating that growth and social contribution can and should advance together, delivering lasting value for the business, its partners, customers and society as a whole. In 2023, he was elected in European Lotteries’ (EL) Executive Committee, being re-elected in 2025. In this capacity, he also served as Supervisory Chair of the EL Marketing & Communication Working Group, which was recently renamed to the EL Marketing and Communication Community of Experts. In addition, Mr. Karas is also a Policy Group Member of the WLA CSR Committee. In this framework, he advocates a modern vision for the global gaming industry, in which innovation goes hand in hand with responsibility. This includes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, active cooperation with State and social stakeholders, supporting actions against illegal operators and sports manipulation, and further forging the industry’s visibility and social impact.
Harold Mays, Director, Illinois Lottery
After spending six years as the Illinois Lottery’s Chief of Operations and Technology, Harold Mays was appointed to serve as Director in January in Illinois Lottery history.
His varied 41-year career includes work in the power industry, telecommunications, information technology and project management, having worked for Motorola, ComEd, and the Illinois Bureau of Communications and Computer Services.
During his 13 years at the Illinois Lottery, Harold has helped orchestrate significant and positive changes to drive responsible incremental growth and increase operational efficiency, having closed FY2025 with $3.84 billion in sales and $796 million in proceeds.
Harold’s imprint can be found on many of the modernization efforts that have been implemented by the Illinois Lottery. He oversaw the deconsolidation of the Lottery from the Illinois Dept of Revenue, the second such deconsolidation in its 52-year history. He managed the transition of the Lottery’s drawings from mechanical to digital. He broadened the Lottery’s player base by helping to pass legislation that expanded the lottery’s iLottery program to include the sale of its complete draw game portfolio, dramatically increasing online sales and player engagement.
For his efforts in driving improvements in Illinois, Harold was awarded a NASPL Powers Award for excellence in the industry.
In addition to his efforts to responsibly increase sales, proceeds and playership in Illinois, Harold is also focused on initiatives that drive a greater benefit for lottery beneficiaries. Harold was successful in helping to pass legislation that ensured the Illinois Common School Fund would be the primary benefactor of lottery proceeds, receiving ~99% of the proceeds generated. He restructured the Lottery’s specialty ticket program which makes charitable contributions to 10 specialty causes such as breast cancer, Illinois veterans, and the Special Olympics, to name a few. Each cause now receives upwards of $1 million per year from the lottery and is funded by through the sale of one specialty scratch ticket.
Harold leads with humility and holds himself and his team to the highest standards of excellence. Over his years in the industry, he has demonstrated not only a commitment to growing the Illinois Lottery, but to the industry at large. Harold currently serves as a member of the Mega Millions Consortium, NASPL’s iLottery and Sports Bettinfg committee and MUSL’s Retail Modernization committee. He is also the immediate past President of NASPL where he helped the organization expand their educational series online to provide more easily accessible content to its members. Harold has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to his community, serving as Board President of the NewRoot Learning Institute, an organization that strives to improve the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults through growing restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments. He serves on the Alumni Board of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago,and was recently inducted into 2025 cohort of the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence.
After spending six years as the Illinois Lottery’s Chief of Operations and Technology, Harold Mays was appointed to serve as Director in January in Illinois Lottery history.
His varied 41-year career includes work in the power industry, telecommunications, information technology and project management, having worked for Motorola, ComEd, and the Illinois Bureau of Communications and Computer Services.
During his 13 years at the Illinois Lottery, Harold has helped orchestrate significant and positive changes to drive responsible incremental growth and increase operational efficiency, having closed FY2025 with $3.84 billion in sales and $796 million in proceeds.
Harold’s imprint can be found on many of the modernization efforts that have been implemented by the Illinois Lottery. He oversaw the deconsolidation of the Lottery from the Illinois Dept of Revenue, the second such deconsolidation in its 52-year history. He managed the transition of the Lottery’s drawings from mechanical to digital. He broadened the Lottery’s player base by helping to pass legislation that expanded the lottery’s iLottery program to include the sale of its complete draw game portfolio, dramatically increasing online sales and player engagement.
For his efforts in driving improvements in Illinois, Harold was awarded a NASPL Powers Award for excellence in the industry.
In addition to his efforts to responsibly increase sales, proceeds and playership in Illinois, Harold is also focused on initiatives that drive a greater benefit for lottery beneficiaries. Harold was successful in helping to pass legislation that ensured the Illinois Common School Fund would be the primary benefactor of lottery proceeds, receiving ~99% of the proceeds generated. He restructured the Lottery’s specialty ticket program which makes charitable contributions to 10 specialty causes such as breast cancer, Illinois veterans, and the Special Olympics, to name a few. Each cause now receives upwards of $1 million per year from the lottery and is funded by through the sale of one specialty scratch ticket.
Harold leads with humility and holds himself and his team to the highest standards of excellence. Over his years in the industry, he has demonstrated not only a commitment to growing the Illinois Lottery, but to the industry at large. Harold currently serves as a member of the Mega Millions Consortium, NASPL’s iLottery and Sports Bettinfg committee and MUSL’s Retail Modernization committee. He is also the immediate past President of NASPL where he helped the organization expand their educational series online to provide more easily accessible content to its members. Harold has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to his community, serving as Board President of the NewRoot Learning Institute, an organization that strives to improve the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults through growing restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments. He serves on the Alumni Board of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago,and was recently inducted into 2025 cohort of the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence.
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, FDJ UNITED, France
Stéphane Pallez is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the global lottery and gaming industry, having played a central role in shaping the evolution of state-authorized operators in an increasingly digital and competitive environment.
As Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of La Française des Jeux (now FDJ UNITED) since November 2014, she has led over a decade of transformation that has positioned the Group among Europe's leading gaming operators. Her tenure has been defined by a series of landmark achievements. She successfully led the company's privatization and stock market listing in 2019, one of the largest IPOs in Europe that year, establishing a new governance model for state-linked operators combining market discipline with public interest objectives. She has driven a deep digital transformation, significantly expanding the Group's online and technology capabilities.
In 2024, she completed the acquisition of Kindred Group, creating FDJ UNITED, a diversified and international European gaming champion with a strong presence across regulated markets.
Beyond her executive role, Stéphane Pallez is a highly respected voice within the international lottery community. She has served on the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association since 2015 and was re-elected First Vice President of European Lotteries in 2025. Throughout her career, she has consistently promoted a responsible, sustainable, and integrity-driven vision of the industry, placing player protection at the core of the operator model.
Her leadership has not only transformed her company but has also contributed to raising the standards expected of state-authorized operators globally.
A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École nationale d'administration (ENA), and decorated Officer of the French National Order of Merit, she brings a unique combination of public sector expertise, financial leadership, and governance experience.
Before joining FDJ, she spent over twenty years at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, notably within the Treasury, before joining Orange as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. She later served as Chief Executive Officer of CCR, the French state-owned reinsurance company.
Stéphane Pallez is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the global lottery and gaming industry, having played a central role in shaping the evolution of state-authorized operators in an increasingly digital and competitive environment.
As Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of La Française des Jeux (now FDJ UNITED) since November 2014, she has led over a decade of transformation that has positioned the Group among Europe's leading gaming operators. Her tenure has been defined by a series of landmark achievements. She successfully led the company's privatization and stock market listing in 2019, one of the largest IPOs in Europe that year, establishing a new governance model for state-linked operators combining market discipline with public interest objectives. She has driven a deep digital transformation, significantly expanding the Group's online and technology capabilities.
In 2024, she completed the acquisition of Kindred Group, creating FDJ UNITED, a diversified and international European gaming champion with a strong presence across regulated markets.
Beyond her executive role, Stéphane Pallez is a highly respected voice within the international lottery community. She has served on the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association since 2015 and was re-elected First Vice President of European Lotteries in 2025. Throughout her career, she has consistently promoted a responsible, sustainable, and integrity-driven vision of the industry, placing player protection at the core of the operator model.
Her leadership has not only transformed her company but has also contributed to raising the standards expected of state-authorized operators globally.
A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École nationale d'administration (ENA), and decorated Officer of the French National Order of Merit, she brings a unique combination of public sector expertise, financial leadership, and governance experience.
Before joining FDJ, she spent over twenty years at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, notably within the Treasury, before joining Orange as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. She later served as Chief Executive Officer of CCR, the French state-owned reinsurance company.
Tom Seaver, Senior Director, Colorado Lottery
Tom began his lottery career in 1985 as the first Instant Game Product
Manager for the Missouri Lottery, where he played a key role on the record-setting start-up team. He expanded his role when he joined the Virginia Lottery as Advertising and Marketing Manager, again contributing to the successful launch of a new U.S. lottery.
In these formative roles, Tom established himself as a leader in product development, marketing, and research, building the foundation for a career that would influence how lotteries grow and engage players.
From 2001 to 2018, Tom’s influence expanded globally as he worked
across five continents as a consultant to Scientific Games and numerous
advertising agency clients. Supporting lotteries such as Loto Catalunya,
Swisslos, China Sports Lottery, Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia of
Panama, and OPAP in Greece, he became a go-to resource in game
development, marketing strategy, sales optimization, and training.
Known for combining deep expertise with practical, real-world application, Tom helped lotteries achieve sustained growth, brand revitalization, and increased returns to their beneficiaries. During this time, he also contributed to advancing Responsible Gambling initiatives, including helping guide OPAP to early leadership in this critical area.
For the past eight years, Tom has served as Senior Director of the
Colorado Lottery, where his leadership has delivered exceptional results.
Under his direction, sales and proceeds have grown by 50%, while the
Lottery has achieved and maintained Level 4 Certification in Responsible Gambling from the World Lottery Association. Among his most meaningful accomplishments is the expansion of Colorado’s Player Health Program,
including the creation of a full-time, dedicated Player Health Manager and the continued evolution of programs designed to support informed and responsible play.
Tom’s impact extends beyond the organizations he has directly served. As Product Group Chair in the development of the Multi-State Lottery Association’s national lottery game, Millionaire for Life, he provided leadership in product development and research, and the game is now sold in 31 lotteries across the U.S.
He remains an active industry contributor through his involvement in the MUSL Marketing and Development
Committees and the NASPL Responsible Gambling Committee. Respected by colleagues, partners, and customers alike, Tom is known not only for his expertise but also for his willingness to share it—serving as a mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor throughout his career.
His legacy is one of lasting and measurable impact: stronger lottery performance, continued advancement of responsible play, and a global body of work that has helped shape best practices across the industry.
Tom began his lottery career in 1985 as the first Instant Game Product
Manager for the Missouri Lottery, where he played a key role on the record-setting start-up team. He expanded his role when he joined the Virginia Lottery as Advertising and Marketing Manager, again contributing to the successful launch of a new U.S. lottery.
In these formative roles, Tom established himself as a leader in product development, marketing, and research, building the foundation for a career that would influence how lotteries grow and engage players.
From 2001 to 2018, Tom’s influence expanded globally as he worked
across five continents as a consultant to Scientific Games and numerous
advertising agency clients. Supporting lotteries such as Loto Catalunya,
Swisslos, China Sports Lottery, Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia of
Panama, and OPAP in Greece, he became a go-to resource in game
development, marketing strategy, sales optimization, and training.
Known for combining deep expertise with practical, real-world application, Tom helped lotteries achieve sustained growth, brand revitalization, and increased returns to their beneficiaries. During this time, he also contributed to advancing Responsible Gambling initiatives, including helping guide OPAP to early leadership in this critical area.
For the past eight years, Tom has served as Senior Director of the
Colorado Lottery, where his leadership has delivered exceptional results.
Under his direction, sales and proceeds have grown by 50%, while the
Lottery has achieved and maintained Level 4 Certification in Responsible Gambling from the World Lottery Association. Among his most meaningful accomplishments is the expansion of Colorado’s Player Health Program,
including the creation of a full-time, dedicated Player Health Manager and the continued evolution of programs designed to support informed and responsible play.
Tom’s impact extends beyond the organizations he has directly served. As Product Group Chair in the development of the Multi-State Lottery Association’s national lottery game, Millionaire for Life, he provided leadership in product development and research, and the game is now sold in 31 lotteries across the U.S.
He remains an active industry contributor through his involvement in the MUSL Marketing and Development
Committees and the NASPL Responsible Gambling Committee. Respected by colleagues, partners, and customers alike, Tom is known not only for his expertise but also for his willingness to share it—serving as a mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor throughout his career.
His legacy is one of lasting and measurable impact: stronger lottery performance, continued advancement of responsible play, and a global body of work that has helped shape best practices across the industry.