meet the executive director

Paula I. Otto was a Virginia Lottery gamer long before the first ticket was sold in 1988. She was a member of the original team of people who worked to build the Lottery from scratch (literally and figuratively). The start-up team worked long hours to get the first shipments of tickets and games to retailers for that first day of sales. As the Lottery's first Director of Public Affairs, she was a prominent player, helping to shape and protect the Lottery's public image.

In 1997, Ms. Otto left the Lottery to accept a faculty position at Virginia Commonwealth University, eventually rising to the position of Associate Director of the School of Mass Communications. Eleven years later, in February of 2008, she was tapped to lead the Lottery as Executive Director in its 20th birthday year – and beyond.

With the unique experience of having been there at the start, Ms. Otto understands how the Lottery occupies a place in Virginia's infrastructure that straddles a line between government and business. Since taking over as Executive Director, she has fostered strategic planning within the organization to optimize the amount the Lottery raises for Virginia's K-12 public schools, while maintaining the Lottery's reputation for integrity, innovation - and best of all - fun!

Ms. Otto grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She graduated with a degree in Journalism from West Virginia University and earned a master's degree in Public Communication from American University. She worked as a television news anchor in West Virginia and later with WTVR-TV in Richmond before joining the Lottery. She and her husband Dan live in Hanover County. If asked what her feelings towards the Lottery are, she'll likely reply, "I'm game!"

Welcome to the Virginia Lottery's new website. As you take a look around, you'll see the phrase "We're Game" quite a bit. That's our new, refreshed Virginia Lottery brand – and we think it says a lot about us. Those two words sum up the look and feel of the Virginia Lottery. We're all about games and fun. It's no secret that we Virginians love games. In fact, Virginians were playing games at Jamestown long before there even was a Virginia. The first lottery associated with the new world, which supported the Jamestown Colony, was called The Great Virginia Lottery. That was in 1612. I'm not just talking about lottery games, though. We love the fun, the camaraderie and the occasional competition of a game, whether it's an organized event or an impromptu contest. Certainly games are part of our culture. Who doesn't love to play? Here at the Virginia Lottery, the phrase "We're Game" builds that notion toward what we do every day. We make Lottery games for the enjoyment of Virginians and visitors to the Commonwealth. If you want to play, chances are, we've got a game for you. If you like to scratch, we've got you covered. If you like to pick numbers for a drawing, we've got that too. Raffles? Check. Second chance drawings? Yes, we've got those too. One thing hasn't changed though. When you play any Virginia Lottery game, you help us contribute money to Virginia's K-12 public schools. About 30 cents of every dollar spent playing the Lottery goes to K-12 public education in the Commonwealth. Last year our games generated more than $487 million dollars for education. That's about 8 percent of what Virginia spends on K-12 schools, and we're proud of it. So take a look around our website. Check out the games we offer and see which one fits your style. Let us know if you have questions. And remember… We're Game! Paula

Albert H. Poole Chairman

Albert H. Poole is Chief Executive Officer and Attorney at Poole Mahoney PC in Virginia Beach. Mr. Poole was appointed by Governor McDonnell for a five-year term ending January 2016.

Cynthia D. Lawrence Vice Chairman

Cynthia D. Lawrence of Roanoke is President and founder of DA, Inc. d/b/a PerformanceLink. Ms. Lawrence was appointed by Governor Kaine in 2006 for a five-year term and reappointed by Governor Kaine for a second five-year term ending January 2015.

David H. Hallock, Jr.

David H. Hallock, Jr. of Richmond is the State Director for U.S. Senator Mark Warner. Mr. Hallock was appointed by then-Governor Warner in 2005 and reappointed by Governor Kaine for a five-year term ending January 2013.

Robert Howard

Robert Howard of Virginia Beach is Chief Investment Officer for Gold Key PHR Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Howard was appointed by Governor McDonnell for a term ending January 2014.

Kevin D. Smith

Kevin D. Smith of Fredericksburg is the Assistant Superintendent for Finance for Henrico County Public Schools. Mr. Smith was appointed by Governor McDonnell for a term ending January 2017.

The Virginia Lottery Board's powers are set forth in statute at Virginia Code § 58.1-4007. Among other powers, the Board is authorized to adopt regulations governing the establishment and operation of a lottery, including: lottery ticket prices, numbers and sizes of prizes, prize payment, frequency of drawings, and licensing of and compensation for sales agents. The board also hears appeals on the denial, suspension or revocation of retailers' licenses.

The Virginia Lottery Board holds regular public meetings. The meeting schedule is subject to change, based on board members' schedules and business to be conducted. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. and are held at Virginia Lottery Headquarters, 900 East Main Street, Richmond, VA. Pocahontas Building, 13th Floor.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013