56 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • MARCH/APRIL 2024 inclusion, sustainability and, as previously noted, the economy. The Lottery publishes a CSR Report on its website to share details about such initiatives. “Not only are we raising funds for education, but we are doing so in a socially responsible manner,” says Ms. Paul. For example, the Lottery has achieved the highest level of Responsible Gaming Certification from the World Lottery Association (WLA), as well the highest level of RG Verification from the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). “We’re proud of these achievements, and we are consistently analyzing our RG program to continuously improve,” says Ms. Paul. “By sharing RG best practices with other lotteries across the globe, we learn from each other and strengthen our industry as a whole.” Ms. Paul, current President of WLA, was a former Chair of its CSR Committee, and her Executive Vice President of Advertising and Marketing is currently the North American representative serving on the WLA’s CSR Committee’s Expert Working Group. The TEL also maintains an RG Committee, made up of additional TEL senior professionals who represent a broad spectrum of expertise to implement and maintain the Lottery’s wide-reaching RG program. Teamwork a Hallmark of Success And this group effort doesn’t stop there. “Everyone plays a vital role in the success we’ve achieved,” Ms. Paul likes to point out. This is clear from a recent visit to the Lottery on its 20th anniversary, where all hands were on deck in various capacities to mark the occasion. “The 20-year milestone is a terrific time to recognize the benefits we have brought to the state and to spotlight our incredible team, including our dedicated Board of Directors.” The staff is impressive for its talent and hard work, but also for its makeup, which represents 53% women and 45% minority. Another key to the TEL’s success, says Ms. Paul, is that it is designed by statute to operate as a Corporation and is not a state agency. “This allows for a nimbleness that has made a meaningful difference in the way we are able to perform.” The stellar performance from the past 20 years was an obvious theme during the variety of anniversary activities, which included annual compliance training, sales team training, refreshments, retrospective presentations, and an off-site reception. The TEL also launched a group of specially themed instant games based on the ever-popular Jumbo Bucks. “As we enter the next decade, we’re dedicated to making sure the years ahead prove just as fun for our players, as productive for the good causes we serve and as enriching for our team,” says Ms. Paul. “I’m proud to be part of this journey.” n The TEL’s Wanda Young Wilson Internship Program has been a fixture at the TEL since its first year of operations. The Lottery’s Executive Team and Board of Directors help lead the way to success The TEL team joined in the fun of the launch of Lotto America in 2017 The Lottery’s Executive Team and Board of Directors help lead the way to success 20 Years of Winning for Education — continued from page 29
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg4MTM=