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// PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL // May/June 2015
Remembering
Industry Leader
and
Friend
to so many …
Buddy Roogow
It is with profound sadness that we
think about the loss of one our true
industry giants. Buddy Roogow died
of an aneurysm on April 11. Buddy
was 65 years old.This was a shock
to Buddy’s family and friends who
all knew Buddy as a fit and active
and healthy man. Buddy played
tennis, racquetball and bike riding,
and had no plans to retire.“He was
the picture of health,” saidTracey
Cohen, the D.C. Lottery’s chief
operating officer.“He really believed
in what he did.” Buddy always took
time to walk around the office to
get to know all of his employees’
names and their personal stories.
He frequently called employees
who were out sick or on maternity
leave, and often interacted with
lottery players. He was known for
his sense of humor, his big laugh,
and to carry a lottery ticket to give
away to people.That is why it is also
an inspiration to think back on the
life of Buddy and the impression he
made on so many people.
BUDDY ROOGOW was named the Executive Director of the D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Control
Board in December of 2009, bringing more than 13 years of lottery experience to the D.C. Lottery. Buddy started
in the lottery industry when he was named Maryland Lottery Director in October 1996. Under his leadership,
Maryland enjoyed twelve consecutive years of record-breaking sales. At the DC Lottery, Buddy and his team faced
some of the most daunting challenges that a lottery director can face. He did that with the same level of optimism
and fortitude and ‘can-do’ attitude that inhabited everything he did. Buddy also served as President of the North
American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) in 2013.
In 2013, Buddy was awarded the Major Peter J. O’Connell Lottery Industry Lifetime Achievement Award by
the Public Gaming Research Institute. The award is presented to lottery directors and industry executives who have
distinguished themselves in the lottery industry over long periods of time.
Buddy was recognized as a leader who was willing to take a chance on new ideas, new games, new innovations.
That is not an easy thing to do in state government. It often means putting the interests of your constituents ahead
of your own. But taking the easier path was never a goal. Serving the State and Good Causes and the lottery indus-
try was the goal. “Buddy loved what he did and he was the Lottery’s foremost champion. He was a consummate
professional, dedicated to making DC’s the best Lottery in the country and worked hard every day to achieve that
goal,” said District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey DeWitt. “We will miss his warmth, enthusiasm,
energy and humor.”
Buddy grew up in Allentown, Pa., and Baltimore, and spent most of his career in government service. Before
joining the lottery industry ranks, Buddy was appointed in 1991 by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer
to Director of Operations for the Governor’s Office. Subsequently, Governor Parris N. Glendening appointed him
to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff in 1995. Immediately preceding his career in Maryland state government,
Buddy served as Chief Administrative Officer of the Howard County Government from 1988 to 1991. He began
his career in the 1970’s as an Urban Planning Consultant with a private firm.
Roogow received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and was awarded a Master of Arts degree
from the University of Maryland.
Buddy Roogow was the very first lottery director that I (Paul Jason) interviewed. This was back in November
of 2006. I did not know hardly anyone in the industry, and was barely conversant in the issues that we deal with.
Buddy could not have been more gracious. I was so amazed and appreciative that someone in his position would
spend an hour with me, talking about the industry and explaining how things worked. Like countless others, I will
miss him. And the memory of what Buddy stood for will be with me always as an inspiration to serve others with
joy and enthusiasm and energy.
Buddy Roogow is survived by his wife, Billie, daughters Caroline and Robyn, son, David; brother, Alan Roogow,
and five grandchildren.
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