MGCB Executive Director Applauds Two Board Reappointees

Two of the four Michigan Gaming Control Board members will retain their positions for four more years.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams lauded Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after she reappointed Joni M. Thrower Davis (above, left) and Andrew T. Palms (above, right) as Board members for four-year terms. Their current terms will expire on Dec. 31, 2027.

The MGCB oversees the licensing, regulation and operations of Michigan online gambling, commercial and tribal casinos, sports betting, horse racing, fantasy sports and lottery games.

Valuing continuity and stability among Board members

“I appreciate Governor Whitmer’s decision to reappoint Joni and Andrew to the Board, which is well-deserved recognition of their dedication, expertise and valuable contributions to our agency’s mission and vision,” Williams said in a press release.

“I am confident that the reappointment of these Board members will ensure continued stability, effective decision-making and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Michigan’s gaming industry, and I look forward to continuing our work together for the citizens of this great state.”

Thrower Davis returns for her second four-year stint on the MGCB. She is a Detroit resident with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and owns four McDonald’s restaurants in the metro Detroit area.

Palms is also a UM alum, receiving his bachelor’s in computer science, business and engineering. He has worked at the school for more than 30 years as the executive director of ITS infrastructure. He resides in Chelsea and has been on the MGCB since 2012 when former Gov. Rick Snyder appointed him.

The reappointments took place on Jan. 4. Thrower Davis and Palms both resumed their positions on the Board immediately.

Filling out the Board

The five-member Board has one vacant seat. The other two members, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds and Board Chair Linda Forte, have terms that expire on Dec. 31, 2024. They will need to seek a reappointment at the end of the year to remain on the Board.

State law requires a maximum of three people from any political party to serve on the Board. This year’s two appointees, Thrower Davis and Palms, are Democrats.

Chairwoman Forte also represents the Democrats. She is the former SVP of business affairs and chief diversity officer at Comerica. Since retiring, she’s joined the MGCB and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan board.

Lambert-Bounds is an Independent. She’s also the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media, LLC, and the co-owner and COO of its sister company, Carusele Media.

With three Democrats on board, a fifth appointee will need to represent Independents or Republicans.

Upcoming MGCB meetings

All Michigan Gaming Control Board meetings are open to the public. People can attend in person, virtually on Zoom or listen in via telephone. You can find more information about each method by visiting the MGCB meeting page.

MGCB Meetings occur monthly on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The schedule currently lists the following meetings between now and September.