Idaho Liquor Division Director Dyke Nally is retiring after leading the division for 15 years.  Gov. Butch Otter announced that Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson will take over Nally’s responsibilities while still overseeing the state lottery.  The lottery’s director of administration, Becky Schroeder, will move up to a chief operating officer position and continue to report to Anderson.  Anderson will receive a 20 percent salary increase, according to Otter's press secretary, Jon Hanian, but Nally's retirement and having Anderson lead two state agencies will save $80,000 a year.

“Part of me feels guilty for leaving the governor before his work is done,” Nally said in a news released prepared by the governor’s office.  “I couldn’t ask for a better boss or friend, and I appreciate his understanding that I need to ‘pull over.’”   Nally added that he thinks the liquor division will be in good hands with Anderson.  Nally has supported maintaining Idaho’s position as a liquor control state and not privatizing liquor stores.  Liquor sales brought in $45 million to cities, counties, and the state general fund in the last fiscal year.

The state lottery brings in $35 million a year, which is split evenly between public schools and the Permanent Building Fund.  Anderson told lawmakers earlier this year that the lottery is seeing a 5.4 percent sales increase during the current year, and is expecting 2.5 percent growth in the next year.

“I look forward to working closely with the Liquor Division team, and with the benefit of Dyke’s experience and advice, to continue efficiently and effectively serving the people of Idaho,” Anderson said.

Otter had kind words for both Nally and Anderson.  “I’m proud of  [Nally] and wish him the best in his retirement, and I look forward to having him around in many other capacities for years to come,” Otter said. “Accepting Dyke’s decision was easier with someone as qualified and proven as Jeff ready to take the helm.  His work at the Lottery is exemplary, and I’m pleased that he’s willing to take on this new challenge.”