NCPG Names Interim Director to Guide Group Through Prediction Markets Crisis

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has hired a consulting firm specializing in governance and strategic operations to help navigate an internal crisis sparked by its recent embrace of prediction markets. Charles H. Jeffers II has been named interim executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. His appointment comes at a key time for the national nonprofit, as the organization faces a crisis for embracing prediction markets. (Image: The Jeffers Group/NCPG) On Monday (Oct. 26), the NCPG named Charles H. Jeffers II as interim executive director. Jeffers is the founder of The Jeffers Group, an organizational consulting firm with services in governance, leadership, and strategy. Jeffers offers interim executive leadership, tailored for when organizations face leadership transitions, whether planned or unplanned. The NCPG’s was not, as Executive Director Heather Maurer abruptly resigned in September amid mounting backlash over the national nonprofit dedicated to minimizing gambling harms creating a new membership category for prediction markets. In exchange for a $2 million grant, the NCPG formed the Financial Services & Trading membership category. In response, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling rescinded their NCPG memberships, citing unwillingness to align with platforms they believe to be engaged in illegal sports betting. NCPG at Crossroads The NCPG has defended its prediction market membership, arguing that the nonprofit works to “prevent and reduce gambling-related harm wherever it occurs.” The NCPG has stated that it believes sports event trading on prediction markets is “functionally gambling” and can expose consumers to the same risks and harms as traditional sports betting. Regardless, the NCPG, which doesn’t support or oppose gambling, continues to face backlash from the legal gambling industry and many of its longtime members. The NCPG hopes Jeffers can bring stability during the key period. Charles’ depth of experience in understanding cultural dynamics, operational demands, and board governance is key to our selecting him to lead as interim executive director,” said Derek Longmeier, NCPG’s board president. “As he navigates the leadership transition, he will be focused on operations aligned with strategy and transparency, and culture reflecting NCPG values.” Longmeier said a national search for a permanent executive director will begin in January. Vetted Solutions, based in Washington, DC, will assist in identifying qualified candidates. Jeffers’ Resume Jeffers previously led the American Occupational Therapy Association as interim executive director and worked as the chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. The NCPG says Jeffers has more than 30 years of nonprofit executive leadership and organizational consulting experience. “Organizations exist to serve their members and advance a mission. Everything else—governance, operations, culture—should be in service of that purpose. When those systems are aligned, organizations don’t just function better. They become what they were always meant to be,” said Jeffers. The post NCPG Names Interim Director to Guide Group Through Prediction Markets Crisis appeared first on Casino.org.