Gov. Nathan Deal’s choice to run the Georgia Lottery has no experience running a lottery, but she does have one important qualification: Deal knows and trusts her.

And so Debbie Dlugolenski Alford, formerly the governor’s budget director, last week became the new president of the lottery. Her appointment is emblematic of Deal’s approach to key state appointments; that is, why search the nation if you have a good person close at hand?

Deal’s spokesman says the governor prefers “to find talent in Georgia, to promote from within, to build a sense of teamwork and loyalty.” Deal’s critics, however, say he’s not finding the best people for critically important state jobs because he’s not looking for them.

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(From left) State Election Board member Rick Jeffares, executive director James Mills, vice chair Janice Johnston and member Janelle King listen during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

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Democrat Eric Gisler celebrated his Tuesday election victory at the Trappeze Pub in Athens, Ga. (AP)

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