Gov. Rick Scott named a familiar face with experience in the department to head up the Florida Lottery on Wednesday, choosing Cynthia Cindy OConnell to be its secretary.
The governor focused on OConnells communications background when he made the announcement.
Cindy brings an impressive record of leadership and brand management to the Florida Lottery and will improve the agencys important mission of maximizing revenues for the enhancement of public education in Florida, said Scott.
A member of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, OConnell is no stranger to her new task, having led the Division of Research and Promotions for the lottery.
OConnell, a 1978 graduate of Florida State University, has other experience including stints in consulting, communications, public relations and two cycles with the Olympics. During the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, she worked in communications for the Olympic Village and led the efforts for the torch relay in the American Southeast. She also was project director of the Florida World Pavilion at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
The widow of Justice Stephen OConnell, who served on the Florida Supreme Court for more than a decade in the late 50s and early 60s and was president of the University of Florida from 1967 until 1973, OConnell also served on the board of trustees of the University of Florida and is the chairwoman of the Florida House in Washington.
The OConnell Center in Gainesville, best known for being the home court of the Gator basketball teams, is named in his honor.
OConnell also served on the Board of Trustees for Florida Tax Watch an organization that sung her praises Wednesday, predicting she will be an excellent steward of taxpayer dollars in tight budgetary times.
"Florida taxpayers will benefit from Secretary O'Connell's experience of running a small business and her proven track record of lottery management," said Dominic M. Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, on Wednesday. "The odds of taxpayers winning with Secretary O'Connell are 100 percent. Florida TaxWatch looks forward to working with her on enhancing public education in our state within a cost effective environment."
"As a seasoned, strategic communications consultant, Secretary O'Connell is a great fit to ensure the Lottery's workforce optimization model is shared effectively with other state agencies," added Calabro.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859
