FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2008) – Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary Robert D. Vance announced today appointments to two key positions in the Office of Charitable Gaming (OCG).
Henry Lackey, 60, of Henderson, is the new executive director. The office, which has a staff of 44, licenses and oversees the gaming activities of more than 800 charities throughout Kentucky. Charitable gaming annually generates $550 million in gross revenue.
Lackey is a veteran radio broadcaster, state legislator and city official. He is owner and general manager of WSON-AM in Henderson. He previously established radio stations WKDQ-FM in Henderson and WMQQ-FM in Springfield.
Lackey served in the Kentucky Senate for two terms, in 1982-86 and 1991-94. He was also Henderson’s mayor from 2003 to 2006. His public service also includes a three-year stint on the Henderson City Commission from 1978-81.
Secretary Vance said he was impressed by Lackey’s breadth of experience.
“The Office of Charitable Gaming serves a diverse constituency, so we were looking for someone whose professional life mirrored that diversity,” Vance said. “With his background as a small-business owner, a state senator and a mayor, Mr. Lackey certainly fits the bill.”
Lackey said he is pleased to have the chance to serve in Governor Steve Beshear’s administration.
“I’ve known Governor Beshear for nearly 30 years,” Lackey said. “I’ve always admired his honesty and integrity, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work for him.”
Bob Sparrow, of Lawrenceburg, will serve as OCG’s director of enforcement.
Sparrow, 66, has extensive experience in law enforcement, having served in the Kentucky State Police from 1962 until his retirement in 1994. Sparrow was on the security detail for the lieutenant governor from 1984 to 1992, then for two years served as commander of executive security for both the lieutenant governor and governor; in that capacity, he supervised 20 officers.
Sparrow was mayor of Lawrenceburg for four years ending in January 2007, and was on the Lawrenceburg City Council from 1998-2002.