The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) announced the appointment of Jill Lacey Griffin as Director, Diversity and Legislative Affairs. Griffin has been with the MGC since 2013, serving as Director of Workforce, Supplier and Diversity Development.
In her new role as Director, Diversity and Legislative Affairs, Griffin will focus on advancing and promoting an inclusive culture and providing leadership on Commission initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), both internally and within the gaming industry. In addition, Director Griffin will be the first agency-wide lead for all legislative issues, responsible for the coordination of the Commission’s legislative strategy, including tracking state and federal legislation, analyzing its impact on the Commission and gaming industry, and serving as a resource to internal and external stakeholders. Griffin will also facilitate the MGC’s support of the legislatively mandated Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC).
“Jill’s thoughtful leadership approach makes her ideally suited to serve as liaison for the Commission with our colleagues in the Legislature and on the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee,” said Chair Cathy Judd-Stein. “In addition, her depth of experience in impactful DEI initiatives will serve both internal and external constituencies exceptionally well.”
“I am delighted that Jill has taken on this important role at the MGC,” said Executive Director Karen Wells. “I look forward to Jill’s continued contributions to the Commonwealth as she takes on this important new assignment.”
As Director of Workforce, Supplier and Diversity Development, Griffin has been responsible for the promotion of diversity and programs to encourage all residents of the Commonwealth to benefit from the employment and business opportunities created through the expansion of gaming. In addition, she has been responsible for working with a wide range of stakeholders across the state on issues related to workforce training and diversity.
Griffin has more than 15 years of experience in economic and workforce development, most recently serving as Senior Director of Programs at The Boston Foundation. Griffin also served for several years as special assistant to Mayor Thomas M. Menino, directing the Mayor’s Scheduling and Advance Department. Earlier in her career, Griffin held various leadership positions with a focus in economic development, strategic planning and partnerships at the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development. Griffin earned a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, both from the State University of New York at Oswego.