The US Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) has recently made significant leadership appointments, setting the stage for an ambitious and strategic 2025 fiscal year. Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko has been elected as the new MUSL Board President. His election marks a pivotal moment for MUSL, as Svitko takes the helm after successfully serving as the chair of the Powerball Product Group for the past two years.
Leadership Changes and Appointments
In addition to Drew Svitko’s appointment, the MUSL board has selected Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn as the Vice President and Tennessee Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Paul as the Secretary. These appointments bring a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to MUSL’s leadership, ensuring that the organization remains poised for growth and innovation in the lottery sector.
Outgoing Board President David Barden, who is also the CEO of the New Mexico Lottery, will continue to serve as a board officer, providing continuity and support during this transition period. Barden’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding MUSL through a period of growth, particularly in the national games category.
Drew Svitko’s Vision for MUSL in 2025
Drew Svitko’s appointment comes at a time when MUSL is experiencing exceptional growth, particularly in the national games category. Svitko’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in driving MUSL’s strategic initiatives forward. In his statement following the election, Svitko emphasized the organization’s commitment to innovation and development, stating:
“The national games category has seen exceptional growth in the past two to three years, and it underscores MUSL’s commitment to support member lotteries with new development initiatives. MUSL has established a bold product development timeline with exciting new offerings. Lottery stakeholders should buckle up. It’s going to be another year of ‘foot, gas, go.’”
This statement reflects MUSL’s aggressive approach to product development and its determination to continue capitalizing on the momentum gained in recent years. The focus on new offerings and a bold development timeline suggests that MUSL is preparing to introduce innovative products that will resonate with lottery players across the country.
Matt Strawn and the Powerball Product Group
One of the significant leadership changes includes the election of Matt Strawn as the chair of the Powerball Product Group. Strawn has been a key figure within MUSL, having served as the chair of the MUSL Audit Committee since 2023. His leadership of the Finance Committee from 2020 to 2022, as well as his role as board secretary and vice chair of the Lotto America Product Group last year, have provided him with a deep understanding of the organization’s operations.
As the new chair of the Powerball Product Group, Strawn will be instrumental in guiding one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. His experience and strategic insights will be crucial in maintaining and potentially expanding the success of Powerball, which continues to be a significant revenue driver for MUSL member lotteries.
Strawn’s election also sees Gwen Dean, the New York Lottery director, stepping in as vice chair of the Powerball Product Group. Dean’s role will complement Strawn’s leadership, ensuring that the group remains aligned with MUSL’s broader strategic goals.
Lotto America Product Group: New Leadership and Future Directions
The leadership of the Lotto America Product Group will also see new faces, with Delaware Lottery Director Helene Keeley elected as chair and North Dakota Lottery Director Lance Gaebe as vice chair. This leadership transition comes at a time when Lotto America is looking to build on its success and explore new opportunities for growth.
Helene Keeley’s experience as a lottery director, combined with Lance Gaebe’s expertise, positions the Lotto America Product Group to continue innovating and delivering value to lottery players. The focus for the upcoming year will likely involve strategic enhancements to the game, aimed at increasing player engagement and boosting ticket sales.
Strategic Focus for the 2025 Fiscal Year
As MUSL moves into the 2025 fiscal year under Drew Svitko’s leadership, the organization is expected to maintain a strong focus on innovation and growth. The “foot, gas, go” mentality that Svitko references suggests a period of rapid development and implementation of new products that could redefine the lottery landscape in the US.
MUSL’s commitment to supporting its member lotteries through new development initiatives is clear. The association has already established a bold product development timeline, indicating that lottery players can expect exciting new offerings in the near future. These initiatives are likely to include both enhancements to existing games, such as Powerball and Lotto America, as well as the introduction of entirely new games designed to capture the imagination of players.
The exceptional growth seen in the national games category over the past two to three years is a testament to MUSL’s successful strategy. By continuing to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions, MUSL is well-positioned to sustain this growth and further strengthen its position in the lottery industry.
The election of Drew Svitko as MUSL Board President, along with the appointments of Matt Strawn and Rebecca Paul, marks the beginning of an exciting and dynamic period for the US Multi-State Lottery Association. With a clear focus on innovation, product development, and strategic growth, MUSL is set to build on its recent successes and deliver new opportunities for its member lotteries and their players.
As the 2025 fiscal year unfolds, stakeholders across the lottery industry will be watching closely to see how MUSL’s bold initiatives impact the market. With strong leadership at the helm and a commitment to excellence, the association is poised to continue driving growth and delivering value in the ever-evolving lottery landscape.
The MUSL’s leadership changes and strategic plans for 2025 underscore its commitment to innovation and growth. The newly appointed leaders bring a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future, ensuring that MUSL remains at the forefront of the lottery industry. The year ahead promises to be one of significant developments, with new products and initiatives set to captivate lottery players across the nation.