Accomplished Civic and Business Leaders Join Northstar Lottery Group's Board of Advisors

CHICAGO Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Northstar Lottery Group announced today its Board of Advisors, a six-member team of respected civic and business leaders in Illinois who will guide the Group's community partnerships, diversity initiatives and charitable contributions if selected as private manager of the Illinois Lottery.

"It is a pleasure to work with people of integrity who are part of the fabric of Illinois' diverse communities," said Dick Devine, Chairman of the Board and former Cook County State's Attorney. "That integrity will permeate every aspect of our work, including our commitment to running an inclusive operation reflective of the makeup of the people of Illinois."

Joining Devine on Northstar Group's Board of Advisors are Karen Hasara, former Mayor of Springfield; Manuel Sanchez, founding partner at Sanchez, Daniels & Hoffman, LLP; David Gupta, President and CEO of System Development Integration; Sharon Gist Gilliam, former CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority; and Rufus Williams, President and CEO of Olympus, LLC.

If selected as private manager, Northstar Group will contribute 5 percent of its profits without a cap to non-profit community organizations throughout Illinois.

Another foundation of Northstar Group's plan is to work with a high percentage of suppliers and vendors owned by women, minorities and individuals with disabilities to grow Lottery revenue and maximize returns to fund education and the capital program in Illinois.

"The state's requirement for contracting with Business Enterprise Program (BEP) companies is 20 percent," said Williams, who recently served as Board President of the Chicago Public Schools. "At Northstar Group, we view that number as the floor – not the ceiling. We're going to form a number of lasting partnerships with qualified BEP companies."

Connie Laverty O'Conner, who was recently inducted with Jim Kennedy of Scientific Games to the Public Gaming Research Institute (PGRI) Hall of Fame, will be the CEO of Northstar Group. Kennedy will also have a leadership role with the Group. PGRI inducted O'Conner and Kennedy into its Hall of Fame for their promotion of excellence and integrity in the lottery industry.

About Northstar Lottery Group

Northstar Lottery Group is a consortium of best-in-class companies with more than 50 years combined experience in Illinois. Northstar Group is led by a partnership between GTECH Corporation and Scientific Games Corporation. Supporting the Group as its advertising partner is Energy BBDO, the Chicago-based unit of BBDO Worldwide, the most awarded agency network in the world. For more information about Northstar Lottery Group, please visit www.northstarlotterygroup.net.

Northstar Lottery Group Board of Advisors

Dick Devine, Chair

Mr. Devine is chair of Northstar Lottery Group's Board of Advisors. He is a partner at Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson, LLP, where he leads the firm's white-collar criminal defense, investigations and commercial litigation practices. Mr. Devine served as Cook County State's Attorney from 1996 to 2008. Prior to that position, he served as First Assistant State's Attorney and President of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.

Sharon Gist Gilliam, Member

Ms. Gist Gilliam most recently served as a principal at Unison Consulting, Inc., a management consulting firm. Prior to joining Unison, Ms. Gist Gilliam was CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority from 2006 to 2007 and chair of the Chicago Housing Authority Board from 1999 to 2006. She also served on the Illinois State Board of Education, and chairs the Chicago History Museum Board. In addition, Ms. Gist Gilliam held several posts under Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, including COO and city budget director.

David Gupta, Member

Mr. Gupta is President and CEO of System Development Integration, LLC, a technology firm providing critical systems and infrastructure to clients in the public sector, real estate, utility, education and transportation industries. In 1989, Mr. Gupta founded SDI in Chicago, the firm's headquarters, and has since expanded the firm's presence to offices in Washington, D.C., Denver and Los Angeles. Mr. Gupta was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Smart Business in 2008.

Karen Hasara, Member

Ms. Hasara is a community leader in Illinois, having served as an elected official for nearly 30 years. She most recently served as Mayor of Springfield from 1995 to 2003. In 1986, Ms. Hasara was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where she served the 100th District. She was elected in 1992 to the Illinois Senate in the 50th District. Ms. Hasara currently serves on the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.  

Manuel Sanchez, Member

Mr. Sanchez is founding partner of Sanchez, Daniels & Hoffman, LLP, a full-service civil litigation and public finance firm with more than 300 years combined experience. The firm is the largest minority-owned law firm in the country and represents clients such as Daimler-Chrysler, Motorola and McDonald's. Mr. Sanchez was the founding member of the Mexican American Lawyers Association and the Latin American Bar Association. He also serves on the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees.  

Rufus Williams, Member

Mr. Williams is President and CEO of Olympus, LLC, a firm providing world-class professionals with representation in the areas of contract negotiation, negotiation strategy and career development. Prior to founding Olympus, Mr. Williams worked for 10 years at the HARPO Entertainment Group, where he held several positions including CFO and controller. Mr. Williams served as President of the Chicago Public Schools Board from 2006 to 2009. He also served as President of the Better Boys Foundation.

SOURCE Northstar Lottery Group