The North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) named Tom Egan, deputy commissioner of marketing at the Michigan Lottery, this year’s Powers Award Winner for Performance Excellence in Sales and Marketing. The award was recently presented during the association’s national conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Egan was selected as the top sales and marketing professional among a field of 17 North American lottery and vendor candidates.

“Tom’s positive impact on the Michigan Lottery cannot be overstated and is much more far-reaching than the last three years on which this Powers Award is based,” said Michigan Lottery Commissioner Don Gilmer. “His insight, creativity and dedication have left a mark on our industry, one that will continue to reap benefits for Michigan in years to come.”

The award was in recognition of Egan’s consistent and innovative efforts to increase sales and product offerings at the Michigan Lottery. Under his direction, the Lottery has enjoyed eight consecutive years of record growth in ticket sales, retailer commissions and prizes awarded to players. Egan oversaw the successful launch of The Big Game in Michigan and has increased the Lottery’s instant ticket output from five game introductions in fiscal 1989 to a record 52 in 1999!

Egan, 61, has been with the Michigan Lottery for 11 years and is responsible for the development of annual marketing, promotion and advertising plans. He also oversees Lottery product management, public relations and sales activities. Egan has an extensive marketing background, including a tenure as a vice president at Ross Roy Communications where he was responsible for planning national marketing strategies and promotional tactics.

The NASPL Powers Awards honor outstanding lottery industry contributions and individual achievements in the areas of sales, marketing, operations and administration. The award is named for Edward J. Powers, long described as the “father of U.S. lotteries.” He was instrumental in founding the National Association of State Lotteries (now NASPL), and served as its president from 1974 to 1976. As NASL president, Powers focused his efforts on proving to government, media and the public that a lottery could be successful while operating with integrity.

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