Former Concord city councilor Erle Pierce has been appointed to lead the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for the next three years.
Pierce will officially assume the role of chair on Tuesday, July 1, succeeding Debra Douglas, who retired this month after more than 16 years as chair of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
Bringing decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, Pierce said he’s eager to build on the Lottery Commission’s successes and ensure it continues to generate revenue for the state while supporting local charities.
“I’m excited to get started and I want to make sure that we continue with our growth,” said Pierce. “We have a good staff up there and a great executive director. I want to make sure that I don’t do anything to mess it up.”
In addition to chairing the Lottery Commission, Pierce was also named New Hampshire’s representative on the Tri-State Lotto Commission, which oversees joint lottery operations between New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Pierce will serve alongside longtime commission member Andy Crews and Stuart Trachy, who was confirmed earlier this month as the newest addition to the commission.
Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the Lottery Commission, praised Pierce’s contributions since his appointment to the commission in 2021.
“Erle is an extremely valuable member of our Commission and is well-suited to take on the critical role of Chairman,” McIntyre said in a press release. “His insight has helped spur new innovation and exciting enhancements leading to record growth and incredible profit returned to New Hampshire public education.”
Pierce, who has worked in fundraising, said he has a “soft spot” for ensuring that charities receive the support they deserve and is committed to building from there.
He said that with the recent changes to charitable gaming proposed in the current legislative session and the approved budget, he expects the transition to proceed smoothly, despite the significant work to be done.
“We are the regulators. Someone else makes the laws, and we follow the rules and the law, and it’s our job to make sure everyone follows the rules and the casino remains suitable to run,” said Pierce. ” I’m confident we will be able to adapt very easily.”
Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com