Helene Keeley takes temporary reins of Delaware Lottery

Helene Keeley has been named as the Acting Director of the Delaware Lottery by the state Secretary of Finance, Rick Geisenberger
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Helene Keeley has been named as the Acting Director of the Delaware Lottery by the state Secretary of Finance, Rick Geisenberger

A serving Deputy Director overseeing finance, IT, application support, HR and security, Keeley is temporarily succeeding Vernon Kirk who was the Lottery’s Director from July 2011 until last month.

As Deputy Director, she led the lottery’s efforts during the pandemic, ensuring that players had access to safe ways of playing games, whilst guiding efforts to ensure technical support for the lottery’s 24/7 operations, as well as strengthening the lottery’s partnership with the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems.

Prior to joining the lottery in 2018, Keeley served the 3rd District in Wilmington in the House of Representatives for 22 years, whilst also holding roles at the state Department for Labor as a Community Relations Coordinator, a Program Fundraiser with Junior Achievement of Delaware and Global Project Manager with Rosenbluth International.

“I look forward to continuing the winning tradition of the Delaware Lottery,” said Keeley. “It’s an honor to be named Acting Director and I wish Vernon Kirk all the best in his retirement.”

Kirk confirmed his retirement and left the lottery at the end of July, bringing to an end a seven-year stint in the role. 

However, it also ends 47 years of service to the lottery as Kirk joined the start-up staff of the lottery from its inception in 1975.

“Vernon Kirk is a living legend in the public lottery industry having joined the start-up staff of the Delaware Lottery at its inception in 1975. We wish him well as he starts this new chapter in his life,” added Secretary Geisenberger. 

“Helene Keeley brings decades of experience to her new role – both as an administrator and as a longtime advocate for Delaware’s gaming and equine industries. 

“I’m excited to see how Helene continues to lead the Lottery in its mission to provide fun and engaging gaming opportunities for our customers while maximizing revenue contributions to the state’s General Fund.”