Governor Maura Healey has appointed Jordan Maynard as the interim chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Maynard happens to be the newest commissioner of the MGC, the agency responsible for regulating Massachusetts sports betting and legal gambling. He began a five-year term in the summer of 2022, appointed by then-Governor Charlie Baker, Healey (who was Attorney General at the time), and Treasurer Deb Goldberg.
Jordan Maynard named interim chair of Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Maynard will serve as commission chair until Healey’s administration completes its search for a permanent replacement for previous chair Cathy Judd-Stein. The state closed applications for the position on March 18.
In a press release announcing the interim appointment, Healey said Maynard “has proven to be a leader in this space,” adding:
“He has worked with people across the gaming industry and has helped oversee Massachusetts gaming regulations. We are grateful for his service as he takes over as Interim Chair and look forward to working with him more closely.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll also expressed appreciation for Maynard’s leadership, saying:
“His track record speaks for itself and we are grateful for his continued service.”
Maynard replaces outgoing chair Cathy Judd-Stein
Maynard’s appointment was announced on March 21, the final day of work for commissioner Cathy Judd-Stein, who was appointed to the commission as chair in 2019 by Gov. Baker. Last month, the governor’s office announced plans for Judd-Stein’s retirement from the MGC at the completion of her five-year term.
With Judd-Stein’s departure, the five-member MGC will operate with just four commissioners. The new interim chair is joined by Eileen O’Brien (who began her second term in April 2023), Brad Hill (who was appointed in 2021), and Nakisha Skinner, who also began her five-year term in 2022, a few months before Maynard’s appointment.
Maynard thanked the governor and his fellow commissioners for their support saying:
“Since beginning as a commissioner, I have been consistently impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise displayed by the commission staff. Without this committed team, commissioners would not be able to execute our responsibilities. We will lean on their experience and judgment as we continue addressing the issues facing the Massachusetts gaming, horse racing, and sports wagering industries. I look forward to working with our licensees and stakeholders to continue prioritizing consumer protections and responsible gaming.”
Maynard chosen for commission due to policy, legal experience
Each of the five MGC commissioner spots is appointed to cover certain areas of expertise. For Maynard his experience in policy and legal issues related to gaming were key to his appointment.
Before joining the commission, Maynard served as the Chief Secretary and Director of Boards and Commissions for Gov. Baker’s office beginning in 2019. There, he worked on gaming policy and oversaw several appointments to the MGC.
Maynard has an advanced law degree from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law and was a civil attorney before he began working in an official capacity for the Commonwealth.
MGC recently filled other key leadership positions
Maynard’s interim appointment comes on the heels of a couple of other key MGC leadership roles being filled.
In late January, commissioners voted 5-0 to appoint Caitlin Monahan the director of the agency’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau. The IEB oversees and enforces gaming regulations in the Commonwealth, working with the Massachusetts State Police to conduct investigations.
Monahan, who previously served as MGC general counsel, was interim IEB director following previous director Loretta Lillios’ retirement last fall.
Last week, commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Dean Serpa executive director of the MGC. The ED oversees the commission’s day-to-day operations and the multiple departments of the agency.
Serpa takes over for Todd Grossman, who served as interim executive director following last year’s departure of former ED Karen Wells.