Gov. Maura Healey appointed Jordan Maynard as permanent chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on Monday, removing the interim tag from the chairperson of the state’s betting watchdog.
The appointment comes nearly eight months after Healey named Maynard as interim chair. At the time, Maynard received the nod on the same day that former chair Cathy Judd-Stein completed her five-year term with the MGC.
Judd-Stein, an appointee of former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, guided the MGC through a challenging period with the global pandemic and the launch of legal sports wagering in the state. She announced her retirement at the completion of her MGC term.
Maynard joined the commission in 2022 when he received a joint appointment from Baker, Attorney General Healy and State Treasurer Deb Goldberg. Prior to joining the Commission, Maynard served as chief secretary to the governor.
Deep Experience in the Gambling Space
Maynard, a 2013 graduate of Northern Kentucky University’s Chase School of Law, is widely viewed as a rising star in gambling regulatory circles.
Earlier this year, he was recognized by U.S. Gaming Hub’s Game Masters Top 100 as one of its Most Influential Figures in the U.S. Gaming Industry. More recently, he was named this month by the Innovation Group to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 under 40 class of 2025.
At the moment, Maynard spearheads the MGC’s involvement in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Youth Sports Betting Safety Initiative. There, the commission works with statewide partners to combat underage sports wagering while creating a curriculum to educate youth on the potential hazards of unsafe betting.
In March, the attorney general’s office announced the public-private partnership in a joint news conference with Baker, now president of the NCAA. Maynard and several members of the MGC took part in the event, one that featured Brad Stevens and other executives from Boston pro sports teams.
“I’m grateful to Jordan for providing strong leadership for the Gaming Commission during this transitional period and proud to appoint him as Chair,” said Healey in a statement. “He has proven to be a consensus builder who has a deep understanding of the agency and strives to do what’s best for the people of Massachusetts.”
Gov Healey has named Jordan Maynard the new MGC Chair. He was serving as interim, but this is a lil suprising to me. First, he is the newest commissioner. Second, while he hasn't said it, I believe he is a Republican and Healey is a Democrat.
— Jessica Welman (@jesswelman) October 28, 2024
Even before his appointment in March, Maynard displayed a deep understanding of complex topics in data protection. Maynard also earned plaudits across the industry for his composure during a tense hearing last month.
Described as one of the most consequential hearings for the sports betting industry since the PASPA decision, representatives from regulated sportsbooks stated their case on why limits are a key component of the risk-mitigation process. The hearing also featured a bevy of industry experts who sided with customers on the vexing aspects of limits.
After months of heated discussions between the participants, Maynard ensured that the speakers maintained decorum during the lengthy hearing. The MGC’s next steps on limit-setting will be monitored closely throughout the industry. With clear guidelines from the state’s open meeting law, the MGC has emerged as one of the nation’s leaders in transparency on sports betting regulations.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth as chair of the Gaming Commission, and am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the trust they have placed in me to carry forward the mission of this incredibly important agency,” said Maynard in a statement.
Ex-Melrose Mayor Fills Final MGC Seat
Healey also named former Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur to serve as an MGC commissioner, filling the final seat on the commission.
Brodeur served as mayor of Melrose for a six-year period through 2024. During Brodeur’s stint, he delivered a balanced budget on numerous occasions and led a debt exclusion campaign to rebuild four Melrose public safety buildings. A Boston suburb, Melrose is located approximately seven miles north of the city. As of the 2020 census, Melrose had a population of around 29,817.
“I have great respect for the important work that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission does to oversee and support this industry that is critical for our economy, workforce and competitiveness,” said Brodeur in a statement. “This moment more than ever requires leaders who bring people together, look past differences and make progress, and I’m committed to being that type of leadership."
In the event the @NHLBruins can’t come to terms with @JeremySwayman I have the answer… pic.twitter.com/e6gDx8kLZx
— Paul Brodeur (@PaulBrodeur2010) October 6, 2024
In addressing Brodeur’s appointment, Healey wrote: “Mayor Brodeur is a trusted leader in our state who has a record of bringing people together to deliver results on our most pressing challenges.”
Lt. Gov Driscoll echoed her sentiments on Monday’s appointments, adding: “I am thankful for Chair Maynard for stepping up to take the reins of our Gaming Commission on a permanent basis and to former Mayor Brodeur taking on this new challenge as Commissioner. We have a strong team at the Commission and I’m confident they will make decisions in the best interest of the industry and our state.”
The MGC consists of five commissioners. Of those five, one is appointed by the governor and another by the attorney general. According to the MGC framework, that appointee must have experience in criminal investigations and law enforcement. The governor is in charge of designating the MGC's chair.
