Nakisha Skinner sworn in as newest Commissioner of the MGC, begins 5-year term

Commissioner Nakisha Skinner was sworn in to her new post with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Monday, March 21 following her appointment to the position by Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. The State Treasurer is empowered to appoint one commissioner to the MGC who has a background in corporate finance and securities. Skinner’s term is set to last for five years.

“I appreciate the trust Treasurer Goldberg has shown in me with this appointment and am thrilled to get to work as a commissioner,” Commissioner Skinner said. “As Licensing Division Chief, I’m familiar with many of the pending issues and the players, both internal and external. I plan to get right down to the business of engaging, supporting, and protecting the gaming industry in this new capacity.”

>MORE: State Treasurer appoints Nakisha Skinner as Commissioner to MGC for 5-year term

Nakisha Skinner joined the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as its Licensing Division Chief in November 2020. She oversaw vendor and employee licensing and registration, and alcohol beverage licensing operations. As the primary point of contact for casinos’ human resources and compliance departments, she focused on delivering high-quality customer service, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, policies and procedures, and enhancing the Licensing Management System. 

Skinner has more than 20 years in state and local government administration. Before her most recent role with the MGC, she served as General Counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. She previously held several positions at the Boston Public Health Commission, including General Counsel. 

“I am pleased to appoint Nakisha Skinner to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,” State Treasurer Goldberg said. “Her experience and expertise will positively benefit the Commission and ensure the continued integrity of the gaming industry in Massachusetts.”

>> Read the announcement from the Office of the Treasurer and Receiver General

Commissioner Skinner earned her Juris Doctor at Suffolk University Law School and her Certificate of Human Services Leadership and Management and Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Law at Suffolk University. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association and the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys, where she also served as an officer. In 2016, she was awarded the distinction of In-House Leader of the Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. 

“Having worked with Nakisha as our Chief of Licensing, I know the dedication, experience, and passion that she brings to her work. An appointment of a new commissioner so familiar with the issues facing the MGC will allow a seamless transition,” said MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein. “I look forward to continuing to serve with Nakisha in her new role and am thankful to the Treasurer for making this appointment.”

About the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

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 five-member independent body that is responsible for developing and managing the process to select, license, oversee and regulate all expanded gaming facilities in the Commonwealth. The costs associated with operating the state’s gaming commission is paid for by the gaming industry and not by Massachusetts tax dollars. 

The Chair of the Commission is appointed by the Governor, one member is appointed by the Attorney General (whose appointee must have a background in criminal investigations and law enforcement), and one member is chosen by the State Treasurer (whose appointee must be proficient in corporate finance and securities). The remaining two commissioners are appointed by a majority vote of the same three constitutional officers. 

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