Stuart Trachy of Franklin has been confirmed by New Hampshire’s Executive Council to become the newest member of the state’s Lottery Commission.

The appointment comes as Debra Douglas, who has served as chair of the commission for 15 years, prepares to retire at the end of the month. The Lottery Commission announced her departure on Tuesday and has yet to select a new chair.

Trachy, a Merrimack County Commissioner and former mayor of Franklin, will serve a three-year term as one of the commission’s three members.

“I’m very grateful to Governor Ayotte for the opportunity and the confidence that she and the Executive Council have shown in me,” said Trachy. “Hopefully, I can do the best for them and for the state of New Hampshire.”

Trachy, a former state representative, currently serves as the commissioner for District 2 in Merrimack County, representing 17 towns including Boscawen, Canterbury, and Webster.

With years of experience in both state and local government as well as private business, Trachy said his skills make this new role at the Lottery Commission the right next step in his career.

“It’s one of the largest revenue operations for the state of New Hampshire, and I look at it as a challenge to help the commission increase those numbers,” said Trachy.

The commission is responsible for regulatory oversight of its activities. However, decisions about expanding gaming and the lottery system are made by the legislature, which defines the scope of gaming that the commission is authorized to regulate in New Hampshire.

The Lottery Commission is expected to vote at its next meeting to select its new chairperson.

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com