Press Release  Governor Healey Appoints Jordan Maynard as Interim Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey appointed Commissioner Jordan Maynard as Interim Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, following the announcement of Cathy Judd-Stein's retirement. The administration is in the process of searching for a permanent chair. Maynard was appointed as a Commissioner by Governor Charlie Baker, then-Attorney General Healey, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg in 2022. 

“Since joining the Commission, Jordan Maynard has proven to be a leader in this space. He has worked with people across the gaming industry and has helped oversee Massachusetts gaming regulations. We are grateful for his service as he takes over as Interim Chair and look forward to working with him more closely,” said Governor Maura Healey. “In the meantime, we continue our search for a permanent chair.” 

“We are thankful for Jordan’s leadership as he steps into this new role as Interim Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “His track record speaks for itself and we are grateful for his continued service.”  

"I'm honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have placed their trust in me to serve the Gaming Commission in this interim role,” said Jordan Maynard. “I was grateful to be appointed Commissioner by Governor Baker, then-Attorney General Healey and Treasurer Goldberg several years ago, and have been deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve the people of Massachusetts and support this important industry." 

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was created after “An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth” was signed into law on November 22, 2011. The Commission is a full-time, five-member independent body that is the single licensing and regulatory body of the casino, horse racing, and sports wagering industries in Massachusetts. 

The Commission consists of 5 commissioners, 1 appointed by the governor, 1 appointed by the attorney general (who must have experience in criminal investigations and law enforcement), 1 appointed by the State Treasurer (who must be proficient in corporate finance and securities), and 2 appointed by a majority vote of the same three constitutional officers. The Governor designates the Chair of the Commission. 

About Jordan Maynard  

Jordan Maynard was appointed as a Commissioner to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in July 2022 and began his five-year term on August 1, 2022. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg appointed Maynard to the Commissioner spot slated for an individual with experience in the legal and policy issues related to gaming. 

Maynard previously served as Governor Baker’s Chief Secretary and Director of Boards and Commissions for the Office of the Governor from February 2019 through July 2022. In that capacity, he oversaw appointments for over 800 state boards and commissions and recruited and placed senior officials across the administration. 

Under his tenure, the Baker-Polito Administration recruited a record number of diverse appointees to boards and commissions over a three-year period. In that role, Maynard worked extensively on issues related to gaming policy and oversaw multiple appointments to the Gaming Commission. He also worked closely with the Commission’s leadership on appointments to the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee, including the Committee Chair and multiple appointments focused on public health and addiction issues. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maynard also served as the Washington, DC Director for the Office of the Governor from March-July 2020. In that capacity, he worked to coordinate state agencies’ interactions with the federal government and supported the procurement of millions of pieces of PPE for the Commonwealth. 

Maynard previously served as an external affairs manager at the Division of Professional Licensure (today the Division of Occupational Licensure), where he worked closely with board and commission members on licensing and regulating over 580,000 individuals across 150 trades and professions. 

Before entering state service, Maynard worked as a civil attorney, including as an advocate for individuals with disabilities before the Social Security Administration. 

Maynard is a first-generation college graduate from eastern Kentucky who earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Government from Morehead State University in 2010 and his Juris Doctorate from the Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 2013. He lives in West Roxbury with his wife. 

###