By Aneesa Grant, The Seattle Medium
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Eric Pettigrew as the new director of the Washington State Lottery Commission, effective May 1, 2023. Pettigrew will be replacing Marcus Glasper, who left the position at the end of March to become director of the Department of Licensing. Pettigrew is currently the vice president of government relations & outreach at Seattle Kraken Hockey, a position he has held since 2019.
Pettigrew has an extensive background in public service, having represented the residents of Washington’s 37th legislative district in Washington’s House of Representatives from 2003 to 2021. During his tenure, he championed funding for economic development initiatives, community programs, and public transit. He also secured key funding to bolster foster care programs, expand higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals, and to promote charter schools in his district, among other accomplishments.
In addition to his public service work, Pettigrew has served on a number of volunteer boards, including Rainier Vista and King County Boys and Girls Clubs, Greater Seattle Business Chamber, Edgar Martinez Foundation, ACT Theater Group, and the Pike Place Market Foundation. Currently, he serves on the boards of the United Way of King County, the Pacific Science Center, Casey Family Programs, and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Governor Inslee expressed confidence in Pettigrew’s abilities to lead the department, and to ensure that the Lottery continues to fulfill its mandate while providing innovative, responsible, and exciting games for the state’s residents to enjoy.
“Eric has an impressive track record of leadership, collaborating with others and success as a legislator and public servant. I know he will lead the Lottery with integrity and ensuring the trust of the people we serve,” Inslee said. “I look forward to working with Eric as Washington’s Lottery continues to provide entertainment for Washingtonians to enjoy responsibly, while creating revenue for our state’s early childhood education program and our nation-leading college grant program.”
Pettigrew is a native of Los Angeles, California and has lived in Washington for more than 30 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in public policy and sociology from Oregon State University, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington.
