Larry Loss, the Iowa Lottery’s executive vice president and an industry leader who has worked at the lottery since its start, will serve as its interim CEO beginning Tuesday

CLIVE, Iowa – Larry Loss, the Iowa Lottery’s executive vice president and an industry leader who has worked at the lottery since its start, will serve as its interim CEO beginning Tuesday.

 Loss’ new role will follow the retirement of Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich, who announced last spring that he would retire and whose last day at the lottery will be Monday. Under Iowa law, in the absence of a CEO, the lottery’s executive vice president will act as the CEO. On Thursday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Loss to serve in that interim capacity beginning Tuesday (Jan. 1).

 “I consider myself lucky to work in such a fascinating industry,” Loss said. “Where else can you have so much fun giving big checks to people while raising proceeds for such worthy causes? The Iowa Lottery has a talented, experienced staff and together we will continue to make our organization a success.”

 Loss, 59, has worked in nearly all aspects of the lottery business. He began his career at the Iowa Lottery in 1985 as a district sales representative when the organization began. At the time, he made weekly sales calls to retailers in northwest Iowa, working from the lottery’s regional office in Storm Lake.

 His understanding of retail issues, sales leadership and growing knowledge of the lottery industry led to his promotion to regional sales manager after four years. In another four years, Loss became a member of the lottery’s senior management team when he was promoted to its vice president of sales. And in 2012, he became the lottery’s executive vice president.           

    In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious PGRI Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Gaming Research Institute.  

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