Ferhan Hamid Steps Down as Chairman of the Virginia Lottery Board After 11 Years of Service to Establish Dual Government Affairs Firm and Law Practice

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ferhan Hamid today announced his departure from the Virginia Lottery Board after over a decade of distinguished public service to the last four Virginia Governors. First appointed to the Board in 2016 by Governor Terry McAuliffe and reappointed for two consecutive terms, Hamid served as Chairman for nine years following consecutive re-elections by his fellow board members. His tenure marked one of the most transformative eras in the Commonwealth’s gaming history.

During his tenure as Chairman, Hamid oversaw the Board’s activities on legalization and implementation of sports betting, internet lottery, and brick-and-mortar casino regulation across Virginia, while consistently helping drive record-breaking lottery revenues for K-12 public education. Under his guidance, the Virginia Lottery instituted robust compliance controls, rigorous procurement standards, and a dedicated focus on responsible gaming.

Following his departure from the Board, Hamid is officially establishing two integrated ventures: LaunchPoint Government Affairs and LaunchPoint Law (www.launchpointgov.com), serving as Managing Partner.

"Serving the Commonwealth and leading the Virginia Lottery Board through a period of historic regulatory expansion has been one of the great honors of my career," said Ferhan Hamid. "As gaming, emerging technologies, and regulated industries continue to reshape our economy, organizations need integrated guidance that bridges policy, regulation, and law. LaunchPoint was built to deliver exactly that."

LaunchPoint Government Affairs will focus on strategic consulting, state and federal government relations, regulatory navigation, and growth strategies for its clients. Complementing the advocacy practice, LaunchPoint Law will provide comprehensive legal counsel focused on corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, AI innovation, and government contracting.

Bringing decades of multi-sector leadership, Hamid previously built and exited a successful government contracting firm as CEO and served as Managing Director of a government affairs firm. In the public sector, his experience includes serving as Managing Deputy Comptroller of the City of Chicago, Counsel for the Chicago Park District, and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois. He holds a B.A. with Honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.