Cornell Wilson III

General Counsel, Illinois Lottery

Published August 19, 2025

It is with great pleasure that the Illinois Lottery team nominates Cornell Wilson III for the NASPL Powers Award. Cornell has served as the Illinois Lottery’s General Counsel for the past seven years and is an excellent choice for the Powers Award due to his consistent and exceptional job performance. He adds value wherever he goes and to whatever assignment he is given. He is thorough and conscientious in the execution of his duties, and his leadership skills and breadth of knowledge are second to none. He also elevates and encourages those around him to perform at their best. This ultimately makes the whole agency better, not just the Legal department. He is the ultimate team player, and his thirst for knowledge and desire to broaden his base understanding of the business make him invaluable. 

Cornell is proficient at interpreting the laws, statutory obligations, and administrative rules the Illinois Lottery must abide by and protects the agency with a tenacity that is welcomed and appreciated. He has proactively sought additional assignments outside the purview of Legal to help the agency progress and improve, as well as leading the efforts of the Mega Millions Consortium in the protection of its trademark and other initiatives.

A retired Marine, Cornell is a born leader, dedicated husband, father, and family man who inspires. It is for these reasons and more that he is deserving of the Powers Award.