Christina Cassone
Christina Cassone is an accomplished operations leader with over a decade of experience managing complex, compliance-driven environments and leading high-performing teams. She currently serves as Draw Manager at the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, where she oversees daily lottery drawings, manages a per-diem team, supervises drawing equipment and video production, and ensures strict compliance with the Department of Consumer Protection. Christina is known for her strategic, holistic approach to operations, building systems that are efficient, repeatable, and risk-aware, while prioritizing integrity and regulatory compliance.
Prior to her tenure at the Connecticut Lottery, Christina gained extensive experience in facility and operations management, including roles with Vixo and Cushman & Wakefield Services, where she managed large national accounts such as AECOM. Her expertise spans process management, contract negotiation, vendor oversight, policy development, and cross-functional operations execution. She was brought into the lottery from outside the gaming industry to help re-evaluate and strengthen operations after a major incident, earning recognition for developing a highly compliant and structured department.
Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing from Central Connecticut State University and is pursuing an MBA with a focus on operations and project management, alongside Lean Six Sigma certification. Beyond her professional work, she serves on the boards of Community Mental Health Affiliates and a cancer research nonprofit, and she founded Heart Filled Handbags, a charity providing filled handbags to women’s shelters. Christina is passionate about coaching and mentoring, creating safe and supportive environments for her teams, and using her leadership to drive both operational excellence and community impact.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.B.A.
• Central Connecticut State University- Bachelor's
• Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc.
• The Kadeem Carson Foundation
• The Training and Motivation Center
• Heart Filled Handbags
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying true to myself, trusting my instincts, and committing to continuous learning and self-improvement. A people-centered approach to leadership has been central—empowering and supporting my team while maintaining integrity, operational excellence, and a focus on making a meaningful impact both professionally and in the community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to quiet the noise and trust your gut. Pursue education and skills, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and always stay true to yourself while giving yourself grace along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the highly regulated, often antiquated nature of state-run gaming operations, which demands strict compliance, ethical oversight, and steady leadership under scrutiny. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to modernize operations and technology, strengthen compliance practices, and leverage that experience to transition into senior private-sector leadership roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are leading with humanity and integrity, creating safe spaces for people to grow, and coaching team members to reach their full potential. I prioritize making a meaningful impact through community service, ethical decision-making, and thoughtful, people-centered leadership.