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Charles H. Jeffers II has taken over as interim executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) as the nonprofit continues to face questions about its ties to prediction market operator Kalshi.
The council announced the appointment Oct. 26. Jeffers took over immediately from Heather Maurer, who resigned in September and stayed through Oct. 16 to support the transition.
Interim leader brings decades of experience to NCPG
Jeffers has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational management and executive consulting. He founded The Jeffers Group, a consultancy focused on leadership transitions, governance, operational strategy and organizational culture.
He previously served as interim executive director of the American Occupational Therapy Association and as CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. His background also includes membership development, technology, strategic planning and marketing. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University, LegalSportsReport reported.
Derek Longmeier, president of the NCPG board, said Jeffers’ experience with organizational culture, governance and operations shaped the decision. The council expects him to prioritize transparent management and a culture consistent with its values. Executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions will lead the search for a permanent executive director, which begins in January 2027.
Kalshi deal prompts wave of departures
The turmoil began in May, when Kalshi pledged $2 million over two years to support what Axios described as “trader health and safety.” The NCPG created a Financial Services & Trading membership category to accommodate the deal, and Kalshi became its first member.
Gambling regulators criticized the arrangement, citing concerns about the legality of Kalshi’s sports event contracts under state law. The Ohio Casino Control Commission withdrew in June, followed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board in July.
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, one of the NCPG’s 35 state affiliates, ended its affiliation in August. Executive Director Trey Delap said the split reflected a fundamental difference in how a problem gambling organization should respond to emerging risks. The Nevada group also noted that Kalshi allows 18-year-olds to trade, while the NCPG supports a minimum gambling age of 21.
NCPG hardens stance on prediction markets
The NCPG has repeatedly defended its decision, saying in a June letter that membership does not constitute an endorsement of any organization or its products.
On Sept. 22, it took a firmer line. The council issued a statement warning of the harms of prediction markets, Axios reported, after months of criticism over its handling of the Kalshi deal. Longmeier said that regardless of how prediction markets are legally defined, the council believes they are “functionally gambling.”
He wrote that people are experiencing “real financial, emotional, and relationship consequences.” The council called on market participants to build consumer protections into their platforms. A Kalshi spokesperson responded that all financial markets carry risk, which is why the company worked with the NCPG to create the new category.
The statement has not settled concerns among some longtime members. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission considered withdrawing but kept its membership, saying it would keep reviewing the situation. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien suggested at a September meeting that the agency might need to reconsider.
Pressure grew after the council announced Maurer’s resignation Sept. 26 without giving a reason.
What comes next for the council
Founded in 1972, the NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and advocates for consumer education, prevention programs and access to treatment. With the permanent search not starting until January, Jeffers’ immediate focus will be operational continuity, governance and rebuilding member confidence.
