One of Barry Pack’s first actions as acting Lottery director was to oversee an investigation of management issues at the Lottery, including concerns expressed in a draft civil rights complaint written, but not filed, by former director Jack Roberts. The investigation found no evidence to support Roberts’ allegations. Roberts’ draft complaint alleged that actions by a Lottery commissioner, and the opposition of two commissioners to Roberts’ appointment of a senior executive to the agency’s chief sales and retailer services post, were discriminatory. Roberts expressed concern that the commissioners’ actions were based on the employee’s national origin and led to a hostile work environment for that executive. Commissioners Liz Carle and Mary Wheat, named in the complaint drafted by Roberts, have vigorously denied discriminating against any Lottery employees. Over the past 10 weeks, an outside personnel investigator, supervised by the Department of Justice, conducted a thorough investigation of the allegations. The investigation included multiple interviews with staff members and commissioners, as well as a review of documents and emails. “This investigation affirms the integrity of Commissioners Carle and Wheat, and the absence of any discriminatory intent and actions against the Lottery executive on whose behalf Roberts expressed concern,” said Acting Lottery Director Pack. “I consider this matter to be fully resolved.” A review of other management issues at the Lottery is ongoing. Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned over $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
