39 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JULY/AUGUST 2026 Harold Mays – cont. from page 10 Harold’s imprint can be found on many of the modernization efforts that have been implemented by the Illinois Lottery. He oversaw the deconsolidation of the Lottery from the Illinois Dept of Revenue, the second such deconsolidation in its 52-year history. He managed the transition of the Lottery’s drawings from mechanical to digital. He broadened the Lottery’s player base by helping to pass legislation that expanded the lottery’s iLottery program to include the sale of its complete draw game portfolio, dramatically increasing online sales and player engagement. For his efforts in driving improvements in IL, Harold was awarded a NASPL Powers Award for excellence in the industry. In addition to his efforts to responsibly increase sales, proceeds and playership in Illinois, Harold is also focused on initiatives that drive a greater benefit for lottery beneficiaries. Harold was successful in helping to pass legislation that ensured the IL Common School Fund would be the primary benefactor of lottery proceeds, receiving ~99% of the proceeds generated. He restructured the Lottery’s specialty ticket program which makes charitable contributions to 10 specialty causes such as breast cancer, Illinois veterans, and the Special Olympics, to name a few. Each cause now receives upwards of $1 million per year from the lottery and is funded by through the sale of one specialty scratch ticket. Harold leads with humility and holds himself and his team to the highest standards of excellence. Over his years in the industry, he has demonstrated not only a commitment to growing the Illinois Lottery, but to the industry at large. Harold currently serves as a member of the Mega Millions Consortium, NASPL’s iLottery and Sports Bettinfg committee and MUSL’s Retail Modernization committee. He is also the immediate past President of NASPL where he helped the organization expand their educational series online to provide more easily accessible content to its members. Harold has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to his community, serving as Board President of the NewRoot Learning Institute, an organization that strives to improve the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults through growing restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments. He serves on the Alumni Board of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago, and was recently inducted into 2025 cohort of the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence.” Stéphane Pallez – cont. from page 10 model for state-linked operators combining market discipline with public interest objectives. She has driven a deep digital transformation, significantly expanding the Group's online and technology capabilities. In 2024, she completed the acquisition of Kindred Group, creating FDJ UNITED, a diversified and international European gaming champion with a strong presence across regulated markets. Beyond her executive role, Stéphane Pallez is a highly respected voice within the international lottery community. She has served on the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association since 2015 and was re-elected First Vice President of European Lotteries in 2025. Throughout her career, she has consistently promoted a responsible, sustainable, and integrity-driven vision of the industry, placing player protection at the core of the operator model. Her leadership has not only transformed her company but has also contributed to raising the standards expected of state-authorized operators globally. A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École nationale d'administration (ENA), and decorated Officer of the French National Order of Merit, she brings a unique combination of public sector expertise, financial leadership, and governance experience. Before joining FDJ, she spent over twenty years at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, notably within the Treasury, before joining Orange as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. She later served as Chief Executive Officer of CCR, the French state-owned reinsurance company. Tom Seaver – cont. from page 10 Supporting lotteries such as Loto Catalunya, Swisslos, China Sports Lottery, Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia of Panama, and OPAP in Greece, he became a go-to resource in game development, marketing strategy, sales optimization, and training. Known for combining deep expertise with practical, real-world application, Tom helped lotteries achieve sustained growth, brand revitalization, and increased returns to their beneficiaries. During this time, he also contributed to advancing Responsible Gambling initiatives, including helping guide OPAP to early leadership in this critical area. For the past eight years, Tom has served as Senior Director of the Colorado Lottery, where his leadership has delivered exceptional results. Under his direction, sales and proceeds have grown by 50%, while the Lottery has achieved and maintained Level 4 Certification in Responsible Gambling from the World Lottery Association. Among his most meaningful accomplishments is the expansion of Colorado’s Player Health Program, including the creation of a full-time, dedicated Player Health Manager and the continued evolution of programs designed to support informed and responsible play. Tom’s impact extends beyond the organizations he has directly served. As Product Group Chair in the development of the Multi-State Lottery Association’s national lottery game, Millionaire for Life, he provided leadership in product development and research, and the game is now sold in 31 lotteries across the U.S. He remains an active industry contributor through his involvement in the MUSL Marketing and Development Committees and the NASPL Responsible Gambling Committee. Respected by colleagues, partners, and customers alike, Tom is known not only for his expertise but also for his willingness to share it—serving as a mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor throughout his career. His legacy is one of lasting and measurable impact: stronger lottery performance, continued advancement of responsible play, and a global body of work that has helped shape best practices across the industry. n PGRI LOTTERY INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME FOR 2026
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