Jim Townsend named chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board
Townsend will take up the appointment when Jim Ananich steps down.
US.- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed James H. (Jim) Townsend of Royal Oak as the new chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The appointment will be effective from August 1, when Jim Ananich steps down.
Townsend will represent the Democrats on the board and will serve until December 31, 2028, subject to the Michigan Senate’s advice and consent.
Townsend is the director of the Levin Centre for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University. Before this, he practised law at the Detroit office of Butzel Long, where he was a member of the Corporate and Real Estate Practice Group. He also served as the Michigan House of Representatives member for the 26th District from 2011 to 2017.
Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said: “Jim Townsend is a proven leader whose legal, legislative, and economic development experience makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Board. I look forward to working alongside him as the Board carries out its critical mission on behalf of Michigan residents.”
Townsend said: “I am honoured to be appointed to chair the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and I look forward to working with members of the Board and the MGCB’s dedicated staff led by Executive Director Henry Williams. Gaming is a rapidly growing and evolving industry in Michigan that provides entertainment to our people and vital revenue to our state and communities. It also poses serious problems for adults who struggle with gambling addiction and young people who lack the experience and capacity to handle its risks. I hope my skills and experience will enable me to lead the Michigan Gaming Control Board in faithfully executing our state’s gaming laws and in serving the interest of the people of Michigan.”
Townsend will serve alongside current members Joni M. Thrower Davis, Mark Evenson, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds, and Andrew T. Palms. The next public meeting of the Michigan Gaming Control Board will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Cadillac Place in Detroit.
