Executive Director

Dean Serpa was named Executive Director of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on March 18, 2024 by a 4-0 Commission vote following a competitive search and selection process. Executive Director Serpa had previously worked with the MGC as chairperson of the Massachusetts Gaming Policy Advisory Committee from January 2023 through the time of his hiring.

Prior to joining the MGC, Mr. Serpa served as a senior manager and advisor to four Massachusetts governors over his 30+ year career in public service and the private sector. He most recently served as former Governor Charlie Baker’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Administration, where he provided leadership and cross-departmental planning and oversaw operations, HR, IT, budget, procurement, fiscal policy, and internal compliance.  He also has extensive experience in crisis management and security planning.

Mr. Serpa also brings to the MGC a background in economic development, having served as Chief Marketing Officer of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, as well as executive leadership roles with the Executive Office of Economic Development, Massachusetts Office of Business Development and MassDevelopment. Throughout his career, he has had an ongoing role in showcasing the Commonwealth and Massachusetts companies to national and global audiences to support economic activity and investment locally.

A former small business owner himself, Mr. Serpa is keenly aware of the impact of public policy and local economic investment on communities across the state.

A lifelong Massachusetts resident, Dean Serpa is a graduate of Bates College and holds an Executive MBA from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School. He and his wife, Ilene, are the parents of two teenagers.