Scientific Games Hires Ex-Trump Executive
Scientific Games has appointed James Schultz as executive vice president of public policy and government affairs. He arrives from the multinational law firm Holland & Knight, where he spent two years as a partner. Schultz also spent 11 months as senior associate counsel and special assistant to the President of the US, which was Donald Trump at the time.
Scientific Games has announced that it has chosen James Schultz as executive vice president of public policy and government affairs. Schultz spent 11 months as senior associate counsel and special assistant to the US President, who was Donald Trump at the time. ©mohamed_hassan/Pixabay
Schultz Boasts Extensive Experience in Government Law and Advocacy
Gambling products and services provider Scientific Games has revealed that it has made the decision to appoint James Schultz as the latest executive vice president of public policy and government affairs. As part of his new role, Schultz will spearhead a unified government affairs, public policy and advocacy agenda in order to help steer Scientific Games’ business growth plans on a global scale.
Schultz arrives at Scientific Games most recently from multinational law firm Holland & Knight, where he put in two years as a partner, chair of the northeast government advocacy team, as well as co-chair of the state attorneys general practice.
Before his stint at the law firm, Schultz had two brief engagements with Cozen O’Connor, both of which were as chair of its government law and regulatory affairs practice. Perhaps most curiously, between these two episodes, Schultz put in 11 months as senior associate counsel and special assistant to the President of the United States, which at the time was none other than Donald Trump.
Schultz Also Served as Deputy General Counsel to Former Pennsylvania Governor
Aside from acting as senior associate counsel and special assistant to Donald Trump while he was still president, James Schultz also boasts experience as general counsel and first executive deputy general counsel for former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett.
Schultz also put time in as director of outreach at the US Attorney’s Office, further clocking in time with White and Williams. Finally, just last month Schultz was hand selected to the transition team for Pennsylvania Governor-elect Josh Shapiro.
On the subject of Schultz’s appointment, Scientific Games chief executive Pat McHugh emphasized the growing importance of the global lottery scene, claiming Schultz will have an important role in bolstering up the provider’s operations moving forward:
“The global lottery industry is exciting and it’s rapidly evolving; with his significant policy and legislative experience coupled with a deep understanding of the dynamics businesses face in highly regulated industries, Jim will play a critical role in advancing Scientific Games’ mission to create secure, sustainable solutions that empower our lottery partners worldwide to maximize good cause funding.”– Pat McHugh, Chief Executive, Scientific Games, Press Release
McHugh highlighted in particular Schultz’s ability to push for responsible approaches to generating money for the lottery industry:
“He will support our customers and associations in advocating for the lottery industry’s responsible approach to generating billions of dollars annually for lottery beneficiaries.”
Great Canadian Recently Appointed New CEO in November 2022
In other recent changes to gambling providers’ executive teams, the Canada-based retail gaming and entertainment company Great Canadian Entertainment revealed in November 2022 that it had appointed Matthew Anfinson as its new chief executive. The news was announced as a result of the confirmation that former CEO Anthony Rodio is scheduled to retire.
Anfinson’s own experience comes in the form of seven strong years spent with leading casino and sportsbook operator Caesars Entertainment, where he first started off as vice president and executive associate to the chief marketing officer, before ascending to the position of senior vice president of operations.
He also holds experience as vice president of finance at Harrah’s St. Louis, director of finance at Horseshoe Casino, director of finance at Caesars Atlantic City, and as planning and analysis manager for Harrah’s Council Bluffs. Anfinson shared a statement in which he was grateful for the new opportunity, promising Great Canadian’s fanbase many improvements coming soon:
“It is an enormous privilege to lead Great Canadian Entertainment, especially at this defining juncture of the company as we set a new industry standard for gaming and entertainment in Canada. We are incredibly excited to bring to market what will be among the premier casino resorts in North America in 2023 with the projects currently underway at Pickering Casino Resort and Casino Woodbine, as well as new innovative programs and initiatives that will drive growth at our other properties and in local communities across the country. We remain focused on continuously enhancing the overall experience for our guests, delivering long-term growth and value creation for our stakeholders, and doing so in a socially responsible way.”– Matthew Anfinson, Chief Executive, Great Canadian, Press Release
American Gaming Association (AGA) Picked Maureen Beddis for Executive Team in October 2022
And in October 2022, one of the United States’ chief organizations tasked with spreading safer gambling awareness, The American Gaming Association (AGA), announced that it had chosen Maureen Beddis as senior vice president of membership and events.
Prior to arriving at the AGA, Beddis put in a noteworthy 16 years with the Vision Council, where she held the position of executive vice president of membership and strategic initiatives.
AGA president and chief executive Bill Miller accounted for Beddis’ talent in executive strategies as reason why the association’s standing would improve in the near future:
“We’re delighted to welcome Maureen to the AGA at this critical time for our association and industry. Maureen’s career is defined by her ability to drive strategy, convene members and deliver results. Her significant experience as an association executive will bolster our already strong team and help lead our organization into the future.”
