TLDR
- The National Council on Problem Gambling named Charles H. Jeffers II as interim executive director on October 26.
- Former executive director Heather Maurer resigned in September after backlash over a prediction markets deal.
- The NCPG created a new membership category for prediction markets in exchange for a $2 million grant.
- Regulators in Michigan and Ohio, plus Nevada’s problem gambling council, canceled their memberships.
- A national search for a permanent leader will begin in January with help from Vetted Solutions.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has named Charles H. Jeffers II as its interim executive director. The appointment was announced on Monday, October 26.
The move follows the September resignation of former executive director Heather Maurer. Her exit came after growing backlash over the group’s decision to work with prediction markets.
The $2 Million Prediction Markets Deal
The NCPG created a new membership category called Financial Services and Trading. It did so in exchange for a $2 million grant.
The decision upset several longtime members. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling all canceled their memberships.
These groups said they would not align with platforms they believe are running illegal sports betting.
The NCPG has defended the new category. It says its mission is to “prevent and reduce gambling-related harm wherever it occurs.”
The nonprofit also said it views sports event trading on prediction markets as “functionally gambling.” It added that these platforms can expose consumers to the same risks as traditional sports betting.
The NCPG does not support or oppose gambling. Still, it continues to face criticism from the legal gambling industry and many of its members.
Who Is Charles H. Jeffers II?
Jeffers is the founder of The Jeffers Group, a consulting firm. The firm focuses on governance, leadership, and strategy.
His company provides interim leaders to organizations going through leadership changes. The NCPG says he has more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership and consulting experience.
Jeffers previously served as interim executive director of the American Occupational Therapy Association. He also worked as chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
“Charles’ depth of experience in understanding cultural dynamics, operational demands, and board governance is key to our selecting him to lead as interim executive director,” said Derek Longmeier, the NCPG’s board president.
Longmeier said Jeffers will focus on operations tied to strategy and transparency. He added that Jeffers will also work on a culture that reflects NCPG values.
Jeffers said organizations “exist to serve their members and advance a mission.” He said that when governance, operations, and culture are aligned, organizations “become what they were always meant to be.”
The NCPG plans to begin a national search for a permanent executive director in January. Vetted Solutions, a firm based in Washington, DC, will help find qualified candidates.
