Massachusetts Gaming Commission Names Interim Exec Director

In a 5-0 vote Monday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission named Todd Grossman — currently serving as the commission’s general counsel — to the role of interim executive director.

He will assume the job at the close of business on Friday, July 14, when the current executive director, Karen Wells, steps down after three years on the job.

Grossman and Dr. Alex Lightbaum, the director of racing and chief veterinarian for the MGC, were both passed along to the commission after a screening committee recommended the two candidates for the position. They were both interviewed by the full commission Monday morning, and, after a short deliberation, the vote came in for Grossman.

“Both of the candidates who appeared today seemed to be equipped to take on all that this interim job entails,” said Commissioner Nakisha Skinner, kicking off the discussion on who would get the nod. “I don’t like having to choose between the two of them. My decision is going to be strictly based on logic, and for me, structurally, the responsibilities and nature of the role of general counsel lends itself to a more natural progression to interim executive director. For that reason, Todd is the choice that better serves the interests of this agency.”

Unanimous decision

Commissioner Brad Hill seemed at one stage to be leaning the other way, noting Lightbaum’s experience in managing large numbers of employees. But in the end, all members of the commission agreed on Grossman, who has been with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission since 2012, first as deputy general counsel, then rising to interim general counsel before fully assuming the job in August 2020.

There has not been a timetable announced as to when the commission plans to fill the executive director position on a permanent basis.

Wells, the outgoing executive director, oversaw the launch of legal sports betting in the state. She started her time with the commission in 2013 with the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau.

“Karen is the model of a leader, and her influence can be seen in everything the MGC does,” MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein said in a press release when Wells announced she would be leaving. “The MGC’s effectiveness as a regulator is a direct reflection of Karen’s efforts and her ability to build, motivate, and direct the MGC team.”

Additionally, the commission reported Loretta Lillios, the director of the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, will be leaving her post for retirement before the summer is over. She has been with the commission since January 2021.