NCPG Appoints Interim Leader as Prediction Market Crisis Continues
Problem gambling organization NCPG has appointed Charles H. Jeffers II as interim executive director to manage the crisis that followed its decision to admit prediction markets as a membership category. State boards and members are cancelling their memberships, and the organization will begin a national search for a permanent director in January.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has begun working with a consulting firm specializing in governance and strategic operations to resolve the internal crisis caused by its recent opening to prediction markets. The organization took this step after executive director Heather Maurer abruptly resigned in September.
The Council had created a new membership category called "Financial Services and Trading" in exchange for a $2 million grant. In response, state boards in Michigan, Ohio and Nevada cancelled their memberships. Their reason was that they did not want to be under the same roof as platforms they believe run illegal sports betting.
NCPG is defending its decision. The organization states that trading on sports events in prediction markets is "functionally gambling" and carries the same risks as traditional betting. The Council is not an organization that supports or opposes gambling, but it faces criticism from the regulated industry and from long-standing members.
Interim executive director Charles H. Jeffers II has spent many years as an executive at nonprofit organizations. He served as interim executive director of the American Occupational Therapy Association and as general manager of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Board chair Derek Longmeier said they expect Jeffers to align operations with strategy and transparency during the transition.
The national search for a permanent executive director will begin in January. Washington-based Vetted Solutions will assist in identifying qualified candidates during the search process.
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