News and Events

National Council on Problem Gambling

Board of Directors Election Results

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is proud to announce the election of five new members to its Board of Directors: Stacy Shaw, Brad Longcake, Janet Miller, and Jeffrey Derevensky, PhD, all for their first term; and Robert Jacobson, re-elected for his second term. These Board Members, with their variety of experience across multiple industries, strengthen NCPG's leadership as the organization continues to grow. 

“All of the NCPG Board members embody the spirit of collaboration and change and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to develop comprehensive policy and programs for all those that choose to gamble” said Marlene Warner, President of the NCPG Board of Directors.

About the Recently Elected Board Members:

Jeffrey L. Derevensky, PhD is a James McGill Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology; and Professor, Department of Psychiatry at McGill University. He is also a clinical consultant to numerous hospitals, school boards, government agencies and corporations. He has served on many government committees and has performed consultative services for SAMHSA, NIMH, NRC, NCPG and many international funding agencies. Dr. Derevensky has published widely in the field of gambling disorders and responsible gambling, and serves on the editorial board of multiple journals. He is currently the Director of the McGill University Youth Gambling Research and Treatment Clinic and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. Dr. Derevensky is on the editorial board of numerous scholarly journals and has testified before government commissions as an expert witness in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Jeffrey will be serving the NCPG Board of Directors in an Individuals Seat, 2018-2021.

Brad Longcake grew up in Shelby, Montana, and attended Montana State University in Bozeman, obtaining a degree in biotechnology. After graduation he went to work for Merck Pharmaceuticals in Alaska where he was responsible for sales and business operations for the entire state. He earned a Master’s in Business during his tenure with the company. In 2013, he and his family moved back to Helena, Montana when he was given the opportunity to manage two local pharmacies. Shortly after, he formed his own consulting company. Brad is currently the Executive Director of the Montana Council on Problem Gambling. Brad will be serving the NCPG Board of Directors in an Affiliates Seat, 2018-2021.

Robert Jacobson has been the Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling since 2011, and his unique perspective on responsible gaming is derived from both his personal and professional experiences. Robert grew up in Las Vegas, where his family worked in the gaming industry for over 25 years, and he followed suit after taking his first casino job in 1995. In 1998 he moved to California, where he continued to work in gaming until 2010. His casino experience includes gaming operations, marketing, project management and human resources. Robert also serves on advisory boards for the California Gambling Control Commission and the California Office of Problem Gambling. Robert will be serving his second term on the NCPG Board of Directors in an Affiliates Seat, 2018 – 2021. 

Janet M. Miller, MS, LAC, CCDP-D, AADC, has a Master's degree in Addictive Disease Counseling and is credentialed in Louisiana as a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor, Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional-Diplomate, and an Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor. She has been the Executive Director for the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) since 2014 and previously served as the Deputy Executive Director since 2008. Starting in 1999, Janet was the Program Director for the Center of Recovery (CORE), the residential treatment facility in Shreveport, Louisiana for adults and their families suffering from gambling disorders. From 1985-1999, Janet worked with Charter Hospitals in substance dependence inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Originally from Minnesota, she has had a private counseling practice since 1987, working with addictions and co-occurring disorders. She has conducted seminars, trainings and various educational courses for the past 33 years with conferences, colleges and counselors 'in training' along with various businesses. She also conducts the Responsible Gaming compliance sessions for the gaming industry in Louisiana. Janet will be serving the NCPG Board of Directors in an Affiliates Seat, 2018-2021.

Stacy Shaw is the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for the Oregon State Lottery. She provides leadership and strategic direction for the Lottery's responsible gambling and problem gambling programs. Oregon Lottery’s responsible gambling program has won numerous awards and is notable for a focus on “all players, all the time” and a commitment to innovative research and training. Prior to joining the Lottery, Ms. Shaw held executive sales and marketing positions with hospitality brands such as Hyatt Hotels and the Related Companies. She also founded and managed her own marketing services agency which specialized in travel, senior living, and real estate. Stacy will be serving the NCPG Board of Directors in an Organizations Seat, 2018-2021.

NCPG thanks the following outgoing Board members for their service, all of whom served two terms from 2012 - 2018: Rose Blozinski (Affiliates Seat); Wiley D. Harwell, D.Min., President 2015 – 2017 (Affiliates Seat); Ray Pineault, JD, Treasurer 2012 – 2018 (Organizations Seat); and Marc N. Potenza, MD, PhD.

Click here to see information about the entire NCPG Board of Directors.

NCPG is the US national advocate for problem gamblers and their families. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gaming. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem in the United States, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for confidential help.