The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) announces Edward R. Bedrosian Jr. as its new Executive Director. On December 9, 2015, MGC’s five commissioners voted unanimously to approve the hire of Mr. Bedrosian, who brings more than two decades of experience as a public sector manager; first, as a Deputy District Attorney in the Middlesex District Attorneys’ Office and, then, as the First Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

The Commission interviewed two finalists and voted to offer the position to Mr. Bedrosian immediately following deliberations during Wednesday’s open public meeting.  As part of the motion to approve Mr. Bedrosian’s hire, the Commission authorized the initiation of contract negotiations and the execution of a complete background investigation. Mr. Bedrosian was selected after a comprehensive search process that began with close to 75 names.

“I am pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Bedrosian as MGC’s new Executive Director. I am confident that his proven leadership abilities and extensive managerial skills will help the Commission and its staff to continue to implement a strong and effective regulatory structure while also maximizing the intended economic benefits of the Expanded Gaming Act,” said Chairman Steve Crosby.

Currently serving as counsel for the national law firm, Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, Mr. Bedrosian began his career as a prosecutor and went on to become First Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. As First Assistant, Mr. Bedrosian oversaw both the legal and administrative operations of the office.  Mr. Bedrosian was responsible for leading an executive team to plan and implement the office’s $40 million budget, oversee all hiring, manage outside counsel appointments, and execute office priorities. In addition to managing both civil and criminal litigation, Mr. Bedrosian directly supervised the Attorney General’s open meeting division, tobacco enforcement unit, state solicitor’s office and division of gaming enforcement. In addition, Mr. Bedrosian advised the Legislature on the regulatory structure for gaming legislation and criminal statutes, worked with the Gaming Commission to implement the early regulatory structure, managed early litigation against the Commission, and created and managed the Attorney General’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Prior to his service in the Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Bedrosian was a Deputy District Attorney in the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.  He tried hundreds of cases, including white-collar fraud, narcotics and homicide cases.  He also managed the Special Investigations Unit that focused on organized crime and career criminals.

Mr. Bedrosian graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A cum laude in 1987, from George Washington University in 1991 with a J.D. and from Boston University in 2012 with an M.B.A.

About MGC’s Executive Director

The Executive Director is the executive and administrative head of the Commission and is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of law relative to the Commission and to each administrative unit thereof. The Executive Director assumes leadership of the Commission staff and is responsible for staffing, establishing, maintaining, and changing administrative units as may be appropriate, subject to the approval of the Commission. The Executive Director plans, directs, executes, and coordinates all administrative activities and assists the Commission in developing the policies and procedures related to the regulation of gaming in Massachusetts.