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Dolly Garfield had been a member of the South Carolina Education Lottery's legal department for seven years. She has now been appointed as the Commission's new Executive Director. After the unanimous vote, the Commission made its announcement on February 14.
Garfield takes over from the previous Executive Director, Hogan Brown, who held the position for seven years. Brown retired earlier this year after devoting 22 years to the South Carolina Lottery.
In a press release from the South Carolina Lottery, Commission Chairman Sam Litchfield said:
Dolly is the right leader to continue a tradition of success that the lottery has enjoyed since its founding. She brings experience, tremendous energy, great intellect, and a fresh enthusiasm that is necessary to navigate these changing times. She is ready to serve the citizens of South Carolina.
Garfield is now the Commission's fourth Executive Director. Prior to joining the South Carolina Lottery, she dedicated 19 years to the Fifth Circuit Solicitors Office in her role as assistant solicitor. She was born and raised in Chester, South Carolina, and graduated from the University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina School of Law.
In her acceptance speech, Dolly said:
I am thoroughly honored and humbled by the opportunity to guide this organization. I am excited for what's ahead, privileged to get to work with such a talented team here at the lottery, and laser-focused on our promise to responsibly raise funds for education in our great state.
About the South Carolina Education Lottery Commission
The South Carolina Education Lottery is run by a commission of nine members. Three members are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina, three by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Although the Commission is not responsible for deciding which programs are funded with lottery proceeds, its role is to ensure that funds raised by the South Carolina Lottery are used responsibly to support education throughout the state. Since 2002, 2.5 million scholarships have been awarded to South Carolina students. In 2023 alone, the lottery raised $2.4 billion in ticket sales, $598.3 million of which was transferred to education.
For 2024, over $600 million has been appropriated for assistance with higher education in the form of need-based grants, scholarships, tuition assistance, and the National Guard Loan Repayment Program. Educational programs for K-12 students will also receive more than $8 million in lottery proceeds.
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