The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is leaning on Commissioner Jordan Maynard as its new interim Chair while it searches for a permanent replacement for the retiring Cathy Judd-Stein.
Maynard was appointed on Thursday by Gov. Maura Healey, who called Maynard a proven leader in the state’s gaming industry.
“I am honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor [Kim] Driscoll have entrusted me with this responsibility and thank my fellow commissioners, who are essential to the continued success of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, for their partnership and support,” said Maynard, whose appointment is effective March 22.
“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.”
The MGC consists of five full-time commissioners, one of whom is appointed by the Governor, one by the Attorney General, one by the Treasurer, and two by a joint appointment of those three officials. Maynard was appointed in July 2022 by then-Governor Charlie Baker, then-Attorney General Healey, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg, and is the newest member of the MGC.
Maynard previously served as Baker’s Chief Secretary and Director of Boards and Commissions for the Office of the Governor from February 2019 until July 2022. In that position, he oversaw appointments for over 800 state boards and commissions, including multiple appointments to the MGC, and worked extensively on gaming policy issues. He also worked closely with the Commission’s leadership on appointments to the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee.
Maynard follows Serpa into new MGC position
The appointment of Maynard as the MGC’s new interim chair comes two days after the commission selected Baker’s former Deputy Chief of Staff Dean Serpa as its next Executive Director. If Serpa accepts the position, he will take over from interim Executive Director Todd Grossman, who has held the role since July 2023 after Karen Wells relinquished the position.
Serpa interviewed for executive director along with Clinton Dick, who serves as General Counsel at the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. He was chosen ahead of Dick based largely on his experience in leadership roles and crisis management. Maynard had suggested that Serpa or Dick were both fine candidates, saying on Monday that “I think either one of them can do the job.”
Judd-Stein officially retires
With Maynard beginning work as interim Chair on March 22, Thursday was the last day in office for Judd-Stein, who announced her impending retirement last month.
Healey said at that time that Judd-Stein, who had occupied the Chair role since 2019, led the MGC through “a critical time” for the industry. Judd-Stein herself called it “an honor and a privilege” to help lead the Commission’s “outstanding accomplishments,” which included spearheading the push for regulation of the Massachusetts casino, horse racing, and sports wagering industries, all set against the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
