Rebecca P. Hargrove, president and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, has been unanimously elected and is the first female president of the World Lottery Association.
“Rebecca's leadership and vision have created an exceptional lottery organization in Tennessee that has provided billions of dollars in support of education initiatives in the state," said Susan Lanigan, chair of the Tennessee Lottery Board of Directors, "and those traits, along with her more than 30 years of lottery industry experience, will be an incredible asset to the World Lottery Association.
We are so proud to see her recognized by such a prestigious organization.”
The WLA is a member-based organization with over 140 government-authorized and licensed lottery organizations from more than 80 countries on six continents. Its mission is to advance the interests of state-authorized lotteries through a variety of programs that foster relationships and establish best practices for lotteries across the globe. It also acts as an international forum “where experience and creative ideas relating to future development of lotteries operating for the public benefit can be exchanged … and to support its members in achieving their vision for their communities.”
“This is an incredible honor,” said Ms. Hargrove. “I appreciate the support from WLA members around the world and look forward to this opportunity and challenge.”
Ms. Hargrove has held several leadership positions within WLA, including senior vice president and chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee. "In her role as CSR chair, Ms. Hargrove led the WLA’s work in steering responsible gaming practices, which is a top priority in Tennessee," officials said.
“Corporate Social Responsibility encompasses a broad range of programs to reinforce the vital position lotteries hold in our communities, and I’m proud to be part of the development and maintenance of such programs,” said Ms. Hargrove.