As Tracy Walzthoni prepares to close a 27-year chapter of her life with Atlantic Lottery, she is looking back at how far she has come and the bright future for the corporation.

Walzthoni started in 1993 as a casual employee in the St. John’s office, rising through the ranks taking positions in sales, telemarketing and video lottery.  Now holding the position of Key Account Manager, she works with major retail accounts to standardize merchandise and partner on programs/promotions to grow lottery as part of their overall business. As one of only two women who worked in the office when she started out, Walzthoni has seen many changes over the years.

“Personally, I have been fortunate in that I’ve been able to make a lot of changes in my career path and stay within the one company,” Walzthoni said. “There have been a lot of changes in the corporation too, especially over the last decade or so, a move towards digital and more technology introduced. The way we work is different, the way players play has changed.  But one thing that hasn’t changed is my values have always been reflected in the company’s values.”

Walzthoni, who plans to retire this year, said she has had many career highlights along the way and values the solid relationships she has built over the years with her retailers. One exciting memory that stands out for her is the day her doodle on a scrap of paper led to the creation of a new scratch ticket.

“I had an idea for a scratch ticket while I was in a meeting,” Walzthoni said. “I wrote it out on a piece of paper and it actually went to print, with two issues of that ticket. I have that piece of scrap paper framed on my wall. I always thought that was pretty neat.”

Walzthoni views herself has an indirect leader to her colleagues and has some words of wisdom for young women and men starting their career in the lottery business.

“If you can further yourself education-wise, do it because one of my regrets is not doing my master’s degree,” Walzthoni said. “Take any opportunity you can to get involved in projects, step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself when you get the opportunity!”