NCPG Has a New Interim Director
David Genge Published 10/11/2026
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has named Charles Jeffers as the organization's new interim director. The strife-ridden non-profit has been dealing with plenty of controversy in recent months, leading to the resignations of some members of the organization's executive and board.
At issue for the NCPG is the fact that the group accepted prediction market site Kalshi as a member. Several state gaming regulatory bodies, and even some state-based problem gambling groups, have opted to pull out of the NCPG in protest over this decision. State gaming regulators are tangling with Kalshi in court, arguing that the company operates as an illegal, unregulated sports betting site.
The NCPG is undergoing significant changes in leadership
It hasn't even been a month since Heather Maurer resigned as the executive director of the NCPG. Maurer was only named to her position in January.
There were several internal issues confronting Maurer. After announcing the entrance of Kalshi into NCPG membership, a further revelation saw the NCPG accepting a $2 million donation from the prediction market site. Maurer later revealed that these funds would not be used to subsidize problem gambling programs. This led to serious concern among both the executive and the rank and file of the organization.
She was the second member of the NCPG board to step down in recent weeks. Citing a change in the organization's values, Jaime Costello tendered her resignation as the NCGC director of programs.
“I made this decision because, over the past year, the environment shifted in ways I could no longer reconcile with how I believe this work should be done," Costello posted on her LinkedIn page.
Who is Charles Jeffers?
New NCPG interim executive director Jeffers is the founder of The Jeffers Group. That's a consulting firm specializing in interim executive leadership, governance, strategic operations, and organizational culture.
He's an experienced consultant, with more than 30 years of nonprofit executive leadership and organizational consulting work in his resume. Previously, Jeffers served as CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Jeffers holds a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree from American International College.
“Charles’ depth of experience in understanding culture dynamics, operational demands, and board governance is key to our selecting him to lead as Interim Executive Director of NCPG,” Derek Longmeier, NCPG’s Board President, said in a statement. “As he navigates the leadership transition, he will be focused on operations aligned with strategy and transparency, and culture reflecting NCPG values."
Jeffers took over as interim executive director on October 26, 2026. The search for a permanent executive director will be getting underway in January 2027. The search will be led by Vetted Solutions.
The NCPG is hoping to stem the flow of external departures
Problems began for the NCPG almost from the moment the organization extended an invitation for Kalshi to join. This led to the creation of a new category, Financial Services & Trading, to accommodate Kalshi's membership. Kalshi pledged a $2 million donation spread over two years to fund support for trader health and safety.
There was immediate criticism of the decision coming from state gambling regulators. First to depart from the NCPG was the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Next to step away was the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, among 35 state affiliates of the NCPG, also ended its affiliation with the organization.
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