Governor taps zoo chief to run Iowa Lottery

The first employee of the Iowa Lottery back in 1985 was Dr. Ed — Ed Stanek, the Lottery's C.E.O. Stanek retired October 31, 2007. Today – 462 days later — Governor Culver announced he's hired Stanek's replacement. The news release is below:

GOVERNOR CULVER NAMES TERRY RICH TO BE IOWA LOTTERY CEO

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver has named Terry Rich as the Iowa Lottery’s new Chief Executive Officer. Rich brings with him years of leadership experience in private, entrepreneurial and non-profit businesses, where he has consistently improved revenues and balanced budgets.

“I believe that Terry Rich is the right person at the right time to direct the Iowa Lottery,” said Governor Culver. “I am confident that he will provide the strong and steady leadership the Iowa Lottery needs, and his experience will ensure that the Lottery continues to make a valuable contribution to our state and its communities. I have the utmost confidence in Terry, and I look forward to working with him and his team at the Iowa Lottery in the years to come.”

Rich has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Blank Park Zoo since 2003. During that time, attendance at the zoo increased from 247,000 in 2003 to more than 380,000 in 2008 with existing exhibits and staff. Under his leadership, the Zoo also began embarking on a 6-year, $40 million expansion.  

 “As a life-long Iowan, I look forward to stepping up to help our state in this tough economic climate,” said Rich. “We’ll build upon the past success of Iowa’s biggest optional revenue stream and try to enhance the fun without encouraging play by those who shouldn’t participate.”

“First, and foremost, I plan to maintain the honesty and integrity of the Iowa Lottery,” added Rich. “This will be a fun and challenging position during a critical economic time.”

A graduate of Iowa State University and a member of the ISU Foundation’s Board of Governors, Rich is a resident of Urbandale.

For 20 years, Rich was with Heritage Communications, a national cable television company that began in Iowa, where he served as Vice President of Marketing. He has also been the president of a national television programming and production company, a founding member of a high-tech venture capital group, and the President and CEO of KBBM Radio.

Terry Rich, whose appointment is subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate, will officially assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Lottery later this month.  His salary will be $170,000 per year.

Rich replaces longtime Iowa Lottery CEO Ed Stanek. 

Since the Iowa Lottery's start in 1985, players have won more than $2.2 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $1.1 billion for state programs.