The Massachusetts Lottery is poised to conclude another potentially record-setting year, and amidst this accomplishment, it has found stability at the top. After fulfilling the role of interim executive director for over a year, Mark William Bracken now takes on the position of Executive Director permanently.
Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, overseeing the Lottery, announced during a Compensation Committee as part of the Lottery Commission. “Mark has done a superlative job meeting the mission of the Lottery that serves all 351 communities across the state,” Goldberg praised. She emphasized Bracken’s unwavering commitment and exceptional abilities, stating, “He is creative, extraordinarily hard-working and he just gets it.”
Bracken, a Quincy native, has been an integral part of the Treasury since 2011, holding positions such as assistant treasurer and director of the state’s Unclaimed Property Division. Reflecting on the decision, Goldberg mentioned the required approval from Governor Maura Healey, sharing, “She was very happy to hear the news.”
Bracken assumed the role of Executive Director in March 2022, succeeding former director Michael Sweeney. Highlighting Bracken’s dedication, Goldberg shared her confidence in his leadership, stating, “Having worked with Mark for some time now and in many capacities, I can share with you he does a fantastic job digging in, fully immersing himself and understanding the work and, very importantly in a large organization, building consensus even around touchy issues.”
Under Bracken’s guidance, the Lottery achieved remarkable milestones in fiscal year 2022, setting all-time highs in revenue, prizes paid out, and retailer commissions. The positive trajectory continues into fiscal year 2023, with sales increasing by over 4 percent, exceeding $6 billion for the first time. Moreover, the agency is poised to exceed last year’s profit by $71.9 million, potentially surpassing the record-breaking $1.112 billion profit achieved in fiscal year 2021.
Comptroller William McNamara expressed his confidence in Bracken’s ability to sustain the Lottery’s success, stating, “I think it’s a very good move and I think Director Bracken will continue the record of success that he’s already built.”
During a Compensation Committee meeting, Bracken discussed his accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. He highlighted the securing of substantial capital funding, remarking, “First, I was able to secure almost $75 million in capital funding, one of the largest funding appropriations ever secured by the Lottery. This funding will allow us to purchase hundreds of instant ticket vending machines, update our agent terminals, and set the Lottery app for future success by continuing to move the Lottery online and into the cloud.”
Bracken also highlighted the Lottery’s success in launching a $50 scratch ticket, stating, “I can tell you, it is the talk of the lottery industry, and it has put us back on top as the leader of instant ticket development.”
Bracken acknowledged the collective effort of Lottery employees and emphasized the significance of teamwork, stating, “There are a lot of things that I will say I have done, but there is very little that I do on my own. It is a team effort.”
Bracken brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as executive secretary of the Board of Appeals on Motor Vehicle Liability, Bonds, and Policies. Additionally, he has worked as a policy analyst for the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Financial Services. Bracken’s impressive credentials also include serving as the President of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. He holds degrees from Suffolk University Law School and Saint Anselm College, further contributing to his strong foundation in the field.