Massachusetts Gaming Commission interim chair appointed on a permanent basis
State regulator makes double appointment with industry newcomer Paul Brodeur hired as commissioner alongside chair Jordan Maynard
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has appointed Jordan Maynard as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) after he had held the role on an interim basis since March.
First joining the MGC as commissioner in August 2022, he stepped in to replace Cathy Judd-Stein who retired at the start of the year.
Maynard has been heavily involved in Massachusetts sports betting history with Charlie Baker, the former state governor, approving the vertical in his first month with the MGC.
He then played a role in helping sports betting go live in March 2023.
The former commissioner has also worked with statewide partners to fight against underage sports betting, and last November, called for an all-inclusive-style strategy which included educating parents and account holders on how to prevent underage betting.
On Maynard’s appointment, Healey said: “I’m grateful to Jordan Maynard for providing strong leadership for the Gaming Commission during this transitional period and proud to appoint him as chair.
“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.”
Maynard added that he was “humbled” to be given the role and thanked Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll for the opportunity.
“Since being appointed to the Commission in 2022 and through my time as interim chair, I have been consistently impressed with the level of integrity and leadership shown by my fellow commissioners and staff at the MGC,” he said.
Alongside Maynard, Healey also named Paul Brodeur as a commissioner, filling the final seat on the MGC’s five-member independent body.
A former mayor of Melrose from November 2019 to January 2024, Brodeur has no previous direct experience in the gaming industry.
He was a state representative for the Massachusetts House of Representatives between January 2011 and November 2019.
In that role, he negotiated the labor rights law, the Grand Bargain, which increased the minimum wage to $15 an hour and created the universal Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.
Healey said: “Mayor Paul Brodeur is a trusted leader in our state who has a record of bringing people together to deliver results on our most pressing challenges, including by bringing together elected officials, the business community, labor and advocates to negotiate the Grand Bargain which strengthened our economy and supported Massachusetts workers, families and businesses alike.”
Brodeur commented: “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.
“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.”
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