NCPG Announces Board of Directors 2022 Election Results

Washington, DC – The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is pleased to announce the results of the 2022 election for its Board of Directors. The Board’s leadership and expertise help build NCPG membership, guide policies, implement strategies and achieve organizational goals. Board members use their subject matter expertise, skills and experience to serve all NCPG stakeholders in addressing responsible gambling and problem gambling issues.  NCPG Members recently voted to elect the following Directors to serve from 2022 to 2025: Dr. Heather Chapman (Individuals Seat), Raquel Buari, JD (Organizations Seat) and Jeffrey Wasserman, JD (Affiliates Seat).

“NCPG’s Board of Directors is a driving force in our efforts to address responsible gambling and problem gambling issues,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “Congratulations to Dr. Heather Chapman on her election and to Raquel Buari and Jeff Wasserman on their reelection to serve a second term. The experience and diversity of our board enables NCPG to effectively lead stakeholders in the development of comprehensive policy and programs for all those affected by problem gambling. We are truly grateful for the expertise, insights and energy that the new and returning Board members bring to our work.”

Whyte added, “We also want to acknowledge the vital service of the out-going board members Dr. Carolyn Hawley, Jennifer Kruse and Dr. Lia Nower for their service and dedication to NCPG.”

Those elected to the NCPG Board of Directors will begin their terms of service following the NCPG Annual Members Meeting on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. New and re-elected Board members include:

Heather Chapman, Individuals Seat

Dr. Heather Chapman is a clinical psychologist, an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-II) and Board-Certified Clinical Consultant in problem gambling, and a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. She is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University and Director of the Gambling Treatment Program at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, the leading facility for gambling treatment, research, training and consultation for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. Having treated thousands of people struggling with gambling for over 25 years, she credits the veterans seeking help as her best teachers, with their open hearts, tremendous trust and desire for change. This work has led her into the study and treatment of the psychology of change, the impact of trauma, and the treatment, engagement and retention for those struggling with gambling.

Raquel Buari, JD, Organizations Seat

Raquel Buari is the Vice President of Compliance for Four Winds Casinos in Michigan and Indiana. She began her career there in 2008 and is the chief compliance and ethics officer. In this role, Raquel manages all efforts in regard to regulatory compliance with an emphasis on gaming regulation, liquor regulation, anti-money laundering, and responsible gaming. Raquel currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling and the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling. Raquel is also on the Board for the Beacon Health System Memorial Hospital and the South Bend Civic Theatre. Raquel Buari holds her Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Political Science from Ball State University.  Raquel is a lifetime resident of South Bend, IN and currently resides there with her husband and four (4) children.

Jeffrey Wasserman, JD, Affiliates Seat

Jeffrey Wasserman is the Judicial Outreach and Development Director for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, where he leads efforts to raise awareness of gambling addiction among judges, lawyers and others in the legal system. He has an International Gambling Counselor Certification (ICGC-I) and is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). Jeff currently serves as Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling. He is a volunteer member of the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program and Pennsylvania Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers; and is the founder and facilitator of an online Problem Gambling Support Group that currently offers daily meetings to participants from 15 different countries. He is also the co-host of All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast.

NCPG thanks all of the candidates for their willingness to serve and their hard work, dedication and commitment to the organization.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat.  Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2022

CONTACT
Cait Huble
CaitH@ncpgambling.org
202-470-1815