By AP/KWMU
Chicago, Ill. – The head of the Illinois lottery, Carolyn Adams, died Monday after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 44.
Adams had been the lottery superintendent since 2003. Her tenure included the introduction of special games to raise money for cancer research and services for veterans.
The lottery's contributions to Illinois schools rose 24% under Adams, to $670 million in fiscal 2006.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich called Adams "a rising star."
"She won the love and respect of everyone she knew with her energy and creativity not just in the professional world, but in every part of her life," he said in a statement.
Adams grew up in Chicago and became a sales executive for Clear Channel Communications and WGN and WVON radio. She was a member of the Chicago Urban League and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
Her survivors include a 10-year-old son, Tre. Funeral arrangements are pending.