Louisville, Kentucky, November 26, 2025
Mary Harville, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, will retire after 22 years of dedicated service. Her accomplishments include a significant sales increase and optimized operational efficiency. Effective February 2026, Maggie Garrison is appointed as her successor. Harville’s retirement signifies a transformative period for Kentucky Lottery, which has greatly contributed to the state’s educational funding.
Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville Announces Retirement After 22 Years of Service
Mary Harville, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, has announced her retirement after 22 years of service, effective February 2026.
Leadership and Achievements
Appointed by Governor Andy Beshear in September 2020, Harville’s tenure was marked by significant growth and efficiency. Under her leadership, the Kentucky Lottery increased sales by over $1 billion and reduced operating expenses as a percentage of sales to a record low of 1.9%. Additionally, the Lottery transferred $1.9 billion to the state during her five-year term, accounting for nearly 25% of total transfers since the Lottery’s inception. These funds have been instrumental in supporting educational opportunities for Kentucky students and their families.
Successor Appointment
Governor Beshear has appointed Maggie Garrison, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Kentucky Lottery, as the incoming President and CEO. Garrison, a 14-year veteran of the Lottery, is set to assume the role following Harville’s retirement in February 2026.
Background
Mary Harville, a native of Morganfield, Kentucky, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and graduated from the UK College of Law. She joined the Kentucky Lottery in 2004 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. In 2020, she became the first woman and the second Kentucky native in over 30 years to serve as the Lottery’s President and CEO.
Throughout her career, Harville has been recognized with several awards, including the Louisville Business First Most Enterprising Woman Award in 2021 and the Most Admired CEO in 2022. She also received the Kentucky Gazette’s Notable Woman in Politics and Government honor in 2024.
Under her leadership, the Kentucky Lottery was named a “Best Place to Work in Kentucky” by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for five consecutive years.
Harville’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for the Kentucky Lottery, characterized by substantial growth and contributions to the state’s educational funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mary Harville?
Mary Harville is the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, serving for 22 years, with her retirement effective in February 2026.
What were Mary Harville’s major achievements?
Under Harville’s leadership, the Kentucky Lottery increased sales by over $1 billion, reduced operating expenses to a record low of 1.9%, and transferred $1.9 billion to the state during her five-year term.
Who will succeed Mary Harville as President and CEO?
Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Maggie Garrison, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Kentucky Lottery, as the incoming President and CEO, effective February 2026.
What is Maggie Garrison’s background?
Maggie Garrison is a 14-year veteran of the Kentucky Lottery, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. She is set to assume the role of President and CEO following Harville’s retirement.
What awards has Mary Harville received?
Mary Harville has been recognized with several awards, including the Louisville Business First Most Enterprising Woman Award in 2021, the Most Admired CEO in 2022, and the Kentucky Gazette’s Notable Woman in Politics and Government honor in 2024.
Key Features of the Kentucky Lottery’s Recent Developments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales Growth | Increased by over $1 billion during Harville’s tenure. |
| Operating Efficiency | Reduced operating expenses to a record low of 1.9% of sales. |
| State Transfers | Transferred $1.9 billion to the state over five years, nearly 25% of total transfers since inception. |
| Awards | Named a “Best Place to Work in Kentucky” for five consecutive years. |
| Leadership | First woman and second Kentucky native in over 30 years to serve as President and CEO. |
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