Florida’s Secretary of Florida Lottery doesn’t just dole out checks to lucky Floridians who happen to strike it big, but he or she must manage 400 employees and some 13,000 retailers across the state.
Governor-elect Ron DeSantis has decided to take a safe gamble by reappointed Jim Poppell to the job of Lottery Secretary. DeSantis says Poppel “believes in the mission.
“Jim Poppell is a committed public servant who believes in the mission of the Florida Lottery,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “With Jim continuing to lead the Florida Lottery, I am certain Florida students will continue to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities the agency generates. A world-class education system is paramount to our state’s success, and I look forward to seeing the Florida Lottery contribute to our students’ success. Transparent and efficient operation of the lottery system is critical to ensuring that this program achieves its promise and Jim has demonstrated he is the professional to do this work.”
The Florida Lottery helps fund the state public education system, having contributed over $34 billion since 1988.
In other education-related news, former Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran has been unanimously voted on to be the next Commissioner of Education.