Arkansas Lottery chief finally resigns after series of mishaps

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Ernie Passailaigue, the much maligned Director of the Arkansas Lottery, resigned on Monday 19th September after nearly two years in charge of the newest state lottery in the United States.

Despite overseeing the rapid introduction of instant games and the strategic introduction of draw games to the Arkansas Lottery, Passailaigue faced criticism for his management style.

Passailaigue’s resignation was announced Monday after a closed session of the Arkansas Lottery Commission. Passailaigue did not have a contract and will not receive a buyout.

His resignation is effective Oct. 7. Julie Baldridge, the lottery’s spokeswoman and legislative relations director, was appointed by the commission to serve as interim director. Baldridge will not be a candidate for the permanent job.

“It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to serve the commission as the director since the startup of the United States’ newest lottery,” Passailaigue said in a letter “Thank you and the commission for all the courtesies that have been extended to me over the last two and a quarter years.”

source: Forbes