Louisville, Kentucky, November 25, 2025
Mary Harville, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, has announced her retirement effective February 2026 after 22 years of service. During her tenure, she led the Lottery to significant financial success, facilitating over $1.9 billion in transfers to the state, which supports educational programs. Maggie Garrison has been appointed as her successor, further ensuring the ongoing commitment to funding scholarships and grant initiatives for Kentucky students.
Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville Announces Retirement After 22 Years of Service
Louisville, Kentucky – Mary Harville, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, has announced her retirement after 22 years of dedicated service. Her retirement is set to take effect in February 2026. During her tenure, Harville significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Kentucky Lottery, overseeing a substantial increase in sales and transfers to the state.
Career Achievements
Appointed by Governor Andy Beshear in September 2020, Harville led the Kentucky Lottery to record-breaking annual sales across both retail and internet gaming channels. Under her leadership, the Lottery achieved over $1.9 billion in transfers to the state, nearly 25% of the state’s total transfers since the lottery’s inception. This substantial contribution has been instrumental in funding college scholarships and grant programs for Kentucky students and their families.
Leadership and Recognition
Harville holds the distinction of being the first woman and only the second Kentucky native to serve as the Kentucky Lottery’s President and CEO in over 30 years. Her leadership has been recognized with several accolades, including:
- Louisville Business First Most Enterprising Woman Award in 2021
- Most Admired CEO by Louisville Business First in 2022
- Notable Woman in Politics and Government honor by the Kentucky Gazette in 2024
Additionally, she serves as the Multi-State Lottery Association Chair of the Mega Millions Product Group and holds the international NASPL Powers Award for Leadership in the Lottery Industry.
Successor Appointment
Governor Beshear has appointed Maggie Garrison, the Kentucky Lottery’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, as the incoming President and CEO. Garrison, a 14-year veteran of the lottery, will officially assume the role following Harville’s retirement in February 2026. Governor Beshear expressed confidence in Garrison’s leadership, stating that she has his “full confidence” along with that of the outgoing president and the corporation’s board of directors.
Background
Mary Harville joined the Kentucky Lottery in 2004 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO, she served in various leadership roles within the organization. Under her guidance, the Kentucky Lottery has not only achieved financial success but also played a pivotal role in supporting educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.
As Harville prepares to step down, her legacy of leadership and commitment to education continues to influence the direction of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mary Harville?
Mary Harville is the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, serving for 22 years before announcing her retirement in February 2026.
What are Mary Harville’s major achievements?
Under Harville’s leadership, the Kentucky Lottery achieved over $1.9 billion in transfers to the state, nearly 25% of the state’s total transfers since the lottery’s inception. She also received several accolades, including the Louisville Business First Most Enterprising Woman Award in 2021 and the Most Admired CEO by Louisville Business First in 2022.
Who will succeed Mary Harville as President and CEO?
Maggie Garrison, the Kentucky Lottery’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, has been appointed as the incoming President and CEO, effective following Harville’s retirement in February 2026.
What is the Kentucky Lottery Corporation’s role?
The Kentucky Lottery Corporation is responsible for operating the state lottery, generating revenue to fund college scholarships and grant programs for Kentucky students and their families.
How long has Mary Harville been with the Kentucky Lottery Corporation?
Mary Harville has been with the Kentucky Lottery Corporation for 22 years, serving in various leadership roles before becoming President and CEO in 2020.
Key Features of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1988 |
| Mission | Generate revenue to fund college scholarships and grant programs for Kentucky students and their families. |
| Annual Sales | Record-breaking sales across retail and internet gaming channels under recent leadership. |
| Leadership | Mary Harville served as President and CEO for 22 years, succeeded by Maggie Garrison in February 2026. |
| Accolades | Recognized with awards such as the Louisville Business First Most Enterprising Woman Award in 2021 and Most Admired CEO in 2022. |
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