An invitation to apply for the positions (2) of

COMMISSIONER

Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Massachusetts

On November 22, 2011, Governor Patrick signed into law “An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in The Commonwealth" (The Act). This historic legislation establishes expanding gaming in Massachusetts, presenting an important opportunity to promote job creation and economic growth throughout the state. The law designates a five-member Gaming Commission to take on the primary responsibility for fostering this new industry in Massachusetts.

The Commission will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the gaming licensing process and regulation of the industry. The Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer are each designated one appointment to this Commission.

The two remaining Gaming Commission members are to be chosen by two of the three appointing authorities, i.e. the Governor, Attorney General and Treasurer. G.L. c. 23K, § 3. One of the two appointments requires experience in legal and policy issues related to gaming. G.L. c. 23K, § 3. The second of the two appointments to be made jointly does not require any particular experience, but may have professional experience in gaming regulatory administration or gaming industry management. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.

The Gaming Commission will be a newly created autonomous state agency that will serve and protect the interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A paramount policy objective of the Commission is ensuring public confidence in the integrity of gaming licensing and site selection processes and the strict oversight of all gaming establishments through a rigorous regulatory framework. Commissioners will not only lead a highly effective and efficient public licensing and enforcement agency, but have the opportunity to measurably impact expansion of economic development, spur job creation, sprout new venues for hospitality and raise fiscal resources for the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has retained Monroe “Bud” Moseley and David Haley of the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the recruitment of the two joint appointments set forth above. Inquiries and applications for those joint appointments should be directed to Isaacson, Miller at the address listed at the end of this document. All communications will be held in strict confidence.

STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

This position is an exciting opportunity for a highly-motivated leader to help ensure that a brand new industry in Massachusetts is established in the most ethical, efficient, and workable manner. Commissioners are invested with statutory authority and responsibility for making critical decisions on numerous complex issues related to gaming. They must closely partner with each other and staff to elevate individual and collective knowledge to maximize their synergy, productivity and contributions towards building and operating the Commission.

By statute, the Commissioners will serve staggered, five-year terms and if re-appointed, no Commissioner shall serve more than 10 years. Of the two initial appointments made through this process, however, one will serve a four year term, and the other a three year term. Each position is full-time and each Commissioner must be a resident of the Commonwealth within 90 days after appointment.

The Commissioners’ first task is to create the Gaming Commission, building on the framework established by the enabling legislation. An organizational structure must be envisioned and an array of regulations and policies must be devised and promulgated to address the full range of policy issues. The new regulations and policies may focus on licensing provisions, administrative procedures, technology for management reporting, monitoring and/or assessing new games, as well as, funding social service and public health programs resulting from gaming.

Key duties for the Commissioners are set forth in detail in the Act, and include, but are not limited to:

1. Creating an operating infrastructure for the Commission, including; appointing an Executive Director, defining roles for other staff positions, determining employee benefits and personnel policies. The Commissioners are responsible for designing all management functions, budgets and contracts, and public information activities.

2. Establishing an investigations and enforcement bureau which will work and coordinate with the State Police’s new gaming enforcement unit, the Attorney General’s new division of gaming enforcement and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission’s new gaming liquor enforcement unit.

3. Implementing the process to select no more than three host community sites and gaming operators/licensees.

4. Promulgating regulations for the implementation, administration and enforcement of The Act that cover criteria for granting and revoking licenses, annual audits of the casinos, granting work permits for casino employees, and many other matters relating to regulating the industry.

Additional challenges and expectations can be viewed by reading The Act. The Commissioners will rely on The Act’s detailed framework and transform its words into appropriate actions, regulations, policies and programs.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This is a compelling opportunity to be a founding member of the leadership of a vital, new, public agency. This organization, and the Commissioners themselves, will have an enormous impact on the Commonwealth for years to come.

These positions require individuals with vision, proven leadership skills, and extensive management experience. They must possess core personal attributes of impeccable integrity, keen judgment and exceptional professionalism. While no one candidate will embody all of the traits noted below, the successful candidates will bring many of the following professional, intellectual, and personal qualities to the Commissioner positions.

• Demonstrated skills and management experience in a large organization, involving; staff direction, project management, financial management, and group facilitation.

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written; media savvy.

• A proven commitment to diversity in all its forms.

• Strong record of working collaboratively with colleagues, staff, outside stakeholders and governmental and institutional partners.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMISSIONERS
The following are some of the statutory requirements for eligibility as a Commissioner:

• One of the two appointments to be made jointly requires experience in legal and policy issues related to gaming. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• The second of the two appointments to be made jointly does not require any particular experience, but may have professional experience in gaming regulatory administration or gaming industry management. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• You must be a resident of the Commonwealth within 90 days of appointment. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• While serving on the Commission, you must not hold or be a candidate for federal, state, or local elected office. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• While serving on the Commission, you must not hold an appointed office in a federal, state, or local government. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• While serving on the Commission, you must not serve as an official in a political party. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• An applicant will be considered ineligible to become a Gaming Commission member if he or she has been convicted of a felony. G.L. c. 23K, § 3.
• Of these two appointments, one will be expected to serve for a term of four (4) years, while the other will be expected to serve a three (3) year term.
Additional ethics laws and restrictions apply to all Commissioners and are set forth in The Act. See G.L. c. 23K.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for each position is established by statute and is connected to the salary of the Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. As of today, the salary for these positions is set at $112,500 annually and could change accordingly.

TO APPLY

Resumes with cover letters should be submitted in confidence to:

GAMING@imsearch.com

Questions should be directed to:
Matt Tzuker
ISAACSON, MILLER
263 Summer St., 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
617-262-6500
(Electronic submission of credentials strongly encouraged)
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.