The National Council on Problem Gambling is preparing to pass the reins onto its new boss, with Heather L. Maurer picked for the position. She will be stepping in as the new Executive Director on January 7, 2026, as per an announcement last week.
NCPG to focus on raising awareness and strengthening advocacy
NCPG Board President Derek Longmeier welcomed the appointment and hailed Maurer as a seasoned professional with an extensive track record, whose qualities and expertise would play an important part in pursuing the organization’s long-term goals.
"In a highly competitive search for NCPG’s next leader, Maurer early on emerged as a strong leader. Her proven ability to build national partnerships and elevate organizational influence, combined with her collaborative spirit and commitment to advancing advocacy initiatives, will be invaluable as NCPG works to broaden awareness and unite stakeholders in addressing problem gambling nationwide," Longmeier said.
Maurer will help steer the NCPG’s strategic direction and also oversee the organization’s programs, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives. She joins the NCPG at a dynamic time when iGaming and online sports betting are surging across the United States.
New verticals, such as prediction markets, are also leaving a mark, making the NCPG’s job all the more important. The organization seeks to advocate for and help advance policies centered around gambling-harm minimization and promoting relevant player safeguards.
Under her stewardship, the NCPG will also seek to raise awareness for its support services as well as try to consistently communicate the dangers tied to gambling and the pitfalls consumers ought to avoid.
NCPG remains an important part in steering the nation away from gambling-related harm
Commenting on her appointment, Maurer was excited to be joining the team: "I’m honored to join NCPG and build on its strong legacy of leadership in addressing gambling-related harm. I look forward to working alongside NCPG’s dedicated team, Board of Directors, members, and partners to expand awareness, strengthen prevention and treatment systems, and ensure that problem gambling is fully recognized within the public health framework."
The NCPG has been a staunch supporter of aiding vulnerable communities, including the US military, which is disproportionately affected by addiction, including gambling-related addiction.
The organization has similarly kept tabs on the levels of gambling-related harm in the country, trying to piece together the full picture and work with a complete data set.
