Henry Williams has been appointed as the new executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), having received approval from state Governor Gretchen Whitmer after Richard Kalm stepped down.
Williams has worked for the MGCB since 2001, most recently serving as deputy director of its casino operations division, providing oversight of the Enforcement Section, Employee Licensing, Gaming Lab and the Disassociated Persons program.
He previously spent time as a regulation and enforcement officer, regulation manager of the employee licensing section, and acting deputy director, before becoming deputy director of the casino operations division.
Prior to his time with the MGCB, Williams was a social worker and held a number of positions within state government as a juvenile justice worker, family independence specialist, protective services worker and probation officer.
Williams will serve as executive director for a six-year term, succeeding Richard Kalm who held the role since 2007.
“This appointment affirms my life lessons to my daughter–what hard work, dedication, commitment, and treating people fairly with dignity can do,” Williams said. “I will be able to continue serving the citizens of the great State of Michigan as I have done over the past 24-years with pride and sincere joy.”
Kalm steps down from role after overseeing the launch of online gaming and sports betting in Michigan.
“I’ve had a great run and accomplished my final goal with the successful launch of online gaming and sports betting,” Kalm said. “My career has been devoted to public service, and I have enjoyed serving the people of Michigan since 2007 as MGCB executive director.
“I have worked closely with Henry for 14 years and promoted him to his current MGCB position as deputy director. “I believe Governor Whitmer has made a good choice in appointing Henry to be the next executive director of the MGCB.”
Meanwhile, the MGCB approved the Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan and its platform provider partner Parx Interactive to launch online casino in the state.
The new igaming offering went live on April 23 under the Gun Lake/Parx brand, with sports betting set to follow at a later date following further approval.
“We welcome the addition of Gun Lake Casino and partner Parx to Michigan’s growing online gaming market of 13 operators and providers,” Kalm said. “Their participation will generate revenue to support education, economic development and the Gun Lake Band’s tribal community.”