Bill Text: VA SJR123 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Paula Irene Otto.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-23 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ123ER) [SJR123 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SJR123-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Paula Irene Otto first joined the Virginia Lottery in 1987, before the first ticket was sold, serving as its first director of public information until 1997, when she left to teach communications to students at Virginia Commonwealth University; and
WHEREAS, Paula Otto was appointed executive director of the Virginia Lottery by Governor Timothy Kaine on January 25, 2008, and served in that capacity for 10 years, under three governors, until January 12, 2018; and
WHEREAS, under Paula Otto's leadership, the Virginia Lottery generated more than $5 billion in profits for K-12 education in the Commonwealth, while growing sales through a combination of popular and innovative games, new technology, promotions, partnerships, customer service, and business techniques; and
WHEREAS, Paula Otto continually supported responsible play messaging and grew to become a national leader in responsible gaming and awareness of problem gambling and gambling addiction; and
WHEREAS, using her vision as "Chief Gamer" of the Virginia Lottery, Paula Otto emphasized fun and integrity along with the "We're Game" brand, always striving to keep games entertaining for players while ensuring that every game and drawing followed strict rules for security, randomness, and transparency; and
WHEREAS, through creative programs like Super Teacher, which awarded 80 educators more than $320,000 in cash prizes and school supplies, and Thank a Teacher, a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Silver Anvil winner, Paula Otto increased awareness among Virginians that lottery profits benefit K-12 public education; and
WHEREAS, Paula Otto created a workplace environment filled with fun and comradery, resulting in the Virginia Lottery being named a "Top Workplace" by the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Paula Otto was recognized as one of the most respected leaders in the national lottery industry when she was inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame in 2017; and
WHEREAS, in 2014 Paula Otto was honored by the Richmond chapter of the PRSA with the Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations, the group's highest honor; and
WHEREAS, throughout Paula Otto's 30-year career as a journalist, educator, public relations professional, and Virginia Lottery employee, she was known for her optimism, friendliness, professionalism, integrity, and sense of humor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Paula Irene Otto for her outstanding service as executive director of the Virginia Lottery; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Paula Irene Otto as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to the Commonwealth.
