Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 6, 2003
Contact:  Anna Kim-Williams, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136;
Alt Contact:  Maureen Greeley, Washington Lottery, 360-664-4730

Washington Lottery Director to Return to California Lottery

Washington Lottery Director, Anthony Molica, is returning to the California Lottery. Molica was approached by the California Lottery and accepted a job as its new director effective Sept. 2.

Molica served as director of the Washington Lottery since June 2002. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles at the California Lottery since its inception in 1985, leaving as director of sales to head the Washington Lottery.

“Tony’s strong commitment to public service and his extensive management and marketing experience helped us evolve our state’s lottery business,” Gov. Gary Locke said. “Tony made a valuable contribution to the administration through his leadership, and I appreciate his commitment to grow lottery sales for the benefit of education in Washington.”

In the past year, Molica has helped the Washington Lottery simplify its operating system, developed a new, award-winning Web site and created an effective Retailer Advisory Board to aid retailer education and awareness.

“The past year has been fast-paced and filled with opportunities to learn from very dedicated, talented, and passionate Washington Lottery staff, business partners and retailers,” Molica said. “Together, we’ve developed a shared vision and a strong foundation to make the Washington Lottery one of the strongest and most respected lotteries in North America.”

Prior to joining the California Lottery in 1985, Molica, a California native, owned and operated his own private businesses. He earned elementary and secondary teaching credentials and taught both junior and senior high school. Molica received a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from California State University, Sacramento.

Locke is in the process of filling the Washington Lottery director position.

The Washington Lottery was established in 1982. Lottery proceeds to the Student Achievement Fund, Education Construction Fund, State General Fund, and stadium commitments have surpassed $2 billion. The Lottery offers consumers seven types of games: Mega Millions, Lotto Plus, Lucky for Life, Quinto, The Daily Game, Daily Keno, and Scratch. Lottery information is available at www.walottery.com.

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