Arch Gleason, the president and chief operating officer for the Kentucky Lottery Corp. since 1993, announced his retirement Monday, to be effective July 29.
“After significant thought and reflection, I have decided it is time for me to retire,” said Gleason in a letter to the Lottery’s board of directors. “I have spent nearly 23 years as President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery and take great pride in what we have accomplished.”
During Gleason’s tenure as Kentucky Lottery President & CEO, he served as president of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and Chair of the Powerball Game Group, president of the North American State & Provincial Lottery Association (NASPL) and served five years as president of the World Lottery Association (WLA), the first American to do so.
Prior to joining the Kentucky Lottery Corp. in September 1993, Gleason served two separate terms as director of the West Virginia Lottery. He is also a former secretary of the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
“Through Arch’s leadership, the Kentucky Lottery has grown to realize nearly $1 billion a year in sales,” said June Hudson, chairman of the Lottery board of directors. “Students all across Kentucky have benefitted from his leadership, as more than $2.5 billion has gone to college scholarship and grant programs under his tenure.”
“While we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best of luck in this new chapter in his life,” she said. “And as a board, we have full confidence in the Lottery staff to keep this successful operation running. Students all across the Commonwealth are counting on us.”
Gleason’s successor will be appointed by Gov. Matt Bevin. His retirement will be in effect July 29.
Gleason expressed his gratitude to Bevin and past governors, legislators, lottery board members, the lottery management team and staff, and our lottery retailers.
“Without their efforts and support we could not have accomplished so much success for the benefit of all Kentuckians. It is most comforting to know I am leaving the Lottery’s future in such good and capable hands.”
“We have generated billions of dollars for Kentucky education, with a record $236.1 million contribution to Kentucky in 2015,” Gleason said. “Over the years we have built one of the most successful lotteries in the country, a powerful economic engine for Kentucky which can be relied upon for years to come.”
From Kentucky Lottery Corp. Communications