Posting date: July 13, 20,23, 03h38.
Last updated: July 12, 2023 at 06:38h
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has named Executive Director Karen Wells’ replacement.
Wells last month announced her plans to depart the MGC following a 10-year stint that included leading the gaming regulatory through COVID-19. Wells began working at the MGC as an investigator and enforcement officer in 2013. She was promoted to permanent executive director in September 2020 after two stints in the interim role. Wells’ departure became effective today after the MGC named her temporary successor.
Todd Grossman, an 11-year veteran of the MGC who has severed as the gaming commission’s general counsel and has overseen the legal department, has been named interim executive director. The executive director oversees the agency’s staff and reports to the three MGC commissioners, with Chair Cathy Judd-Stein at the top of the governmental organization.
Grossman Following Wells’ Path
In a bio provided by the MGC, Grossman’s roots are similar to his predecessor. Grossman, like Wells’ predecessor, began his career as an assistant district attorney in Middlesex. Wells also began her career as an assistant district attorney in Middlesex.
Grossman went on to become one of the inaugural commissioners of the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission, which regulates boxing and mixed martial arts in the commonwealth, before joining the MGC in 2012.
During his time as the MGC’s chief legal advisor, Grossman provided counsel to the commissioners and staff on a wide variety of matters relating to the oversight and administration of the MGC’s duties.
Mr. Grossman was involved in the creation and implementation of new rules and policies that govern the way gaming licenses are awarded, and how casinos are regulated. He also helped develop an enhanced code for ethics for the commissioners and staff at the MGC. Grossman will also continue to serve as general counsel. Wells’ successor has big shoes to fill. The MGC is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. During her time as executive director of the MGC Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, Wells oversaw the opening of each of the state’s three commercial brick-and-mortar casinos.
Plainridge Park, the slots-only casino, opened in 2015. MGM Springfield, the state’s only slots-only casino, opened in 2015. Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield both opened in June and August 2019. The MGC allowed Wynn Resorts, after Wynn left his company and paid a record fine of $35 million, to keep its state-issued casino license for Encore Boston Harbor.