Governor Appoints Interim Chair of Gaming Commission

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BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey appointed Commissioner Jordan Maynard as Interim Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, following the announcement of Cathy Judd-Stein's retirement. 
 
The administration is in the process of searching for a permanent chair. Maynard was appointed as a Commissioner by Governor Charlie Baker, then-Attorney General Healey, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg in 2022. 
 
"Since joining the Commission, Jordan Maynard has proven to be a leader in this space. He has worked with people across the gaming industry and has helped oversee Massachusetts gaming regulations. We are grateful for his service as he takes over as Interim Chair and look forward to working with him more closely," said Governor Maura Healey. "In the meantime, we continue our search for a permanent chair." 
 
"We are thankful for Jordan's leadership as he steps into this new role as Interim Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "His track record speaks for itself and we are grateful for his continued service."  
 
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was created after "An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth" was signed into law on November 22, 2011. The Commission is a full-time, five-member independent body that is the single licensing and regulatory body of the casino, horse racing, and sports wagering industries in Massachusetts. 
 
The Commission consists of 5 commissioners, 1 appointed by the governor, 1 appointed by the attorney general (who must have experience in criminal investigations and law enforcement), 1 appointed by the State Treasurer (who must be proficient in corporate finance and securities), and 2 appointed by a majority vote of the same three constitutional officers. The Governor designates the Chair of the Commission. 
 
Jordan Maynard was appointed as a Commissioner to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in July 2022 and began his five-year term on August 1, 2022. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg appointed Maynard to the Commissioner spot slated for an individual with experience in the legal and policy issues related to gaming. 
 
"I'm honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have placed their trust in me to serve the Gaming Commission in this interim role," said Jordan Maynard. "I was grateful to be appointed Commissioner by Governor Baker, then-Attorney General Healey and Treasurer Goldberg several years ago, and have been deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve the people of Massachusetts and support this important industry." 
 
Maynard previously served as Governor Baker's Chief Secretary and Director of Boards and Commissions for the Office of the Governor from February 2019 through July 2022. In that capacity, he oversaw appointments for over 800 state boards and commissions and recruited and placed senior officials across the administration. 
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Joann Fabric in Pittsfield Targeted for Closure

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Joann Fabric and Crafts store on Dalton Avenue is among some 500 set to close. 
 
Joann Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year to restructure and filed again last month. On Wednesday, the bankruptcy filings noted that liquidation should start immediately. 
 
Pittsfield was among the 19 Massachusetts stores identified for closure, as well as the store in the Hampshire Mall in Hadley. Two Vermont stores are closing along with several in New York's Capital District.
 
Overall, 53 stores out of 800 are slated to be shuttered. Joann is the only large scale material retailer in the area. Walmart eliminated its bolt fabrics a few years ago and Michaels offers a smaller selection. There are also several quilt shops in the region but they tend not to have the variety of fabrics offered by Joann. 
 
Alvarez & Marsal North America LLC, the restructuring consultant, stated that there was no interest by bidders on a subset of stores and that "it is in the best interest of the Debtors' estates to immediately commence Store Closing Sales at this subset of
stores."
 
The upcoming Presidents Day holiday weekend was identified as "a significant opportunity to meet or beat the Debtors' revenue projections from store closing
sales."
 
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