US – Raft of appointments as AGA shapes up for 2014
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced five significant staff additions, providing a jolt of industry experience and political savvy.
The new staff members are part of a reorganisation placing an emphasis on proactive, campaign-style trade association advocacy.
AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman said: “These extremely talented new members of our team will help us build off the success the AGA has enjoyed and pivot to our next generation organization. Through groundbreaking research, aggressive outreach and on-the-ground activities, this group of experts, coupled with our existing team, will position the AGA to champion gaming’s value as a driver of innovation and economic growth. I am extremely excited about our burgeoning team.”
The five new staff members bring diverse backgrounds, including a combination of industry expertise, public-sector acumen and association experience.
Sara Rayme joins as Senior Vice President of public affairs. She previously worked with MGM Resorts International, becoming a vice president of government affairs and leading the Maryland lobbying and referendum campaign for casino expansion. She will oversee all the AGA communications, research and campaign-style initiatives.
Chaka Burgess has been appointed as Vice President of government relations. Mr. Burgess brings nearly 20 years of experience in coalition building, lobbying and ally development. He formerly worked as director in the global government affairs division of Amgen Inc., a major biopharmaceutical company, where he built and implemented advocacy and outreach programs. He joins Whitaker Askew, vice president of government affairs, and the two will work closely with Rayme to lead the AGA’s advocacy efforts.
Allie Barth is the new Senior Director of Communications. She joins the AGA from the US Travel Association, where she developed and managed the organisation’s internal and external communications and implemented strategic campaign initiatives. She will execute the AGA’s communications platform.
Elizabeth Cronan will be the new Director of gaming policy. She previously worked as director of global government relations and public affairs at International Game Technology (IGT), head of the US legal and research division for Gambling Compliance, and advisor to the board of GeoComply, a geolocation company actively engaged in online gaming expansion. She will lead the AGA’s public policy activities, including regulatory reform and anti-money laundering initiatives.
New General Counsel Virginia Hurt Johnson brings 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors and has extensive knowledge of the executive and legislative branches. As part-time general counsel, she will address the AGA’s day-to-day legal needs, manage outside counsel and guide the organization as it attracts new members and opportunities.
The AGA also is conducting a search for an Executive Vice President to oversee membership services and operations.
