The Mississippi Lottery Corporation is hiring from within for outgoing President Tom Shaheen’s replacement. The Board of Directors has announced its selection of Senior VP of Sales and Marketing Jeffrey L. Hewitt to serve as the MLC’s next leader after Shaheen announced his retirement earlier this year.
“Jeff brings a lifetime of lottery experience and has been an integral part of MLC’s senior leadership during the startup phase,” MLC Board of Directors Chairman Mike McGrevey, said. “I know the lottery will be well led as it enters its next chapter.”
Hewitt joined the MLC in June 2019 after previously serving in senior leadership roles with the Georgia Lottery Corporation, as well as Scientific Games, Intralot and IGT Global Services—described by the MLC as three of the major technology vendors in the lottery industry. He began his career in 1987 with the Florida Lottery.
“I am honored at the confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors,” Hewitt said. “Tom Shaheen has done an excellent job managing during the startup phase, and I look forward to continuing to build on his good work. The Mississippi Lottery is a model for a smooth startup and a well-run lottery. I am confident about our continued success.”
Shaheen served as the inaugural president of the MLC and is retiring after more than 30 years in the lottery business.
“I have known Jeff for more than 30 years and have great faith in his ability as a leader and lottery professional,” said current MLC President Shaheen. “I know the lottery will be in capable hands with Jeff at the helm.”
Created by the Legislature and launched in November 2019, the lottery delivered $70.7 million to the state during its first seven months of operations. For the current fiscal year, the MLC has transferred nearly $115 million to the state with the first $80 million going to infrastructure and the remainder is placed into the Education Enhancement Fund.
