The National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) has strengthened its leadership team through the appointment of a new Program Manager and Communications Manager.
Semhar Abed joined the NCPG back in May 2019, heading up the group’s program management division. As part of the new role, Abed will oversee operations, oversight, planning, and reporting on NCPG problem gambling and responsible gambling programs.
She will be tasked with monitoring the Lottery Responsible Gambling Verification Program and the Internet Compliance Assessment Program.
“NCPG is delighted to have Semhar on our team. She is a go-getter who has experience with nonprofits and associations with missions similar to ours in education and health. I am excited that we will be working with her on new programs and to make our current programs thrive under her leadership,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG.
Prior to joining the NCPG, Abed held a number of jobs across various industries, including as the Assessment Specialist and Board Services Associate at the Association for Community College Trustees, as well as the Membership Coordinator and Program Coordinator for the International Association for the Study of Pain.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work for an organization with an amazing mission and fantastic staff who are passionate about this hidden addiction,” said Abed.
NCPG have also added Grace Maliska to the company, who joined back in June 2019. Maliska’s role will include working towards the implementation of the organization’s external communications, including public awareness and outreach efforts.
Maliska commented on her new role: “I am eager to apply my skills in communications to the increasingly pertinent and important topic of problem gambling as a means to accelerate public awareness and engagement.”
Her previous experience has included holding a technology fellowship at Georgetown’s Center for New Design Learning and Scholarship, as well as the communications specialist at the National Women’s Political Caucus.
She has also worked as a digital producer for media technology companies doing applications and websites, and the online learning specialist at the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
“NCPG is thrilled to have Grace on board. She has many skills and much expertise to bring to us, and we look forward to accelerating our growth and public awareness impact with her contributions,” added Whyte.