A few weeks ago, Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) Executive Director Karen Wells tendered her resignation from the commission. She will step down from her role on July 14.
Now, the MGC is on the hunt for a new Executive Director. That hunt will continue on Monday when the commission holds an open meeting.
The agenda for Monday’s meeting features a review of the interim Executive Director selection process, as well as interviews and consideration of interim Executive Director candidates.
Privacy given to applicants
Open meeting law allows for the MGC to give privacy to applicants in an executive session. A majority of the commissioners must vote for executive session, which is what happened in last week’s meeting. That is why the names of applicants have not been released to the public, although the commission has screened several candidates.
It is unknown when the commission will make a decision on an interim Executive Director, but the process seems to be moving quickly.
Last Thursday, Mina Makarious from Anderson & Kreiger LLC presented a review of the selection process for a permanent Executive Director. He will give another review in Monday’s meeting, and will be joined by fellow Anderson & Kreiger partner David Mackey.
Following the review, all commissioners will conduct interviews with multiple candidates for the interim position.
10 years with the MGC
As Executive Director, Wells was an integral part of the team that helped make online sports betting in Massachusetts a reality.
She first joined the MGC in 2013, and had two stints as the interim Executive Director before taking on the role of full-time Executive Director in 2020. In addition, Wells previously served as director of the Investigation and Enforcement Bureau.
In 10 years with the commission, Wells focused on balancing public interest and the integrity of the gaming industry in Massachusetts. She primarily led the regulatory enforcement of the Expanded Gaming Act.
“Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,” Wells said in a public statement.
“I’ve worked across the agency since its formation with commissioners and staff who are dedicated public servants, committed to making sure the regulation of the gaming industry in Massachusetts focuses on ensuring the public confidence in the integrity of our operations. Together this team created the infrastructure for a new state agency, opened three casinos, weathered a pandemic, and launched the new legal sports wagering industry.”
