The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has formally announced Henry Williams as its new executive director following approval from the state’s Senate.
The Michigan Senate voted 34-1 in favour of the appointment during a roll-call confirmation vote, with Williams to serve a six-year term at the helm of the MGCB.
Williams will replace Richard Kalm, who stepped down as executive director last month after serving in the role since 2007.
Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer already approved Williams as Kalm’s replacement, buth the appointment was subject to Senate confirmation.
“I look forward to leading the agency’s continuing success and thank outgoing executive director Richard Kalm for his leadership and the opportunities he provided that paved the way for my appointment,” William said.
Williams has worked for the MGCB since 2001, most recently as deputy director of its casino operations division, providing oversight of the Enforcement Section, Employee Licensing, Gaming Lab and the Disassociated Persons program.
Prior to this, he spent time as a regulation and enforcement officer, regulation manager of the employee licensing section, and acting deputy director.
Before joining 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.
Confirmation of the appointment comes after the MGCB this week reported that Michigan online betting and gaming operators brought in $115.2m in April, a drop of 9.5% after March Madness helped to bring March’s revenue to $127.4m.