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John Pappas to step down as Executive Director of Poker Players Alliance7 February 2018(PRESS RELEASE) -- Today, the Poker Players Alliance -- the leading poker and internet gaming advocacy group -- announced changes to its leadership, with continued focus on grassroots engagement. At the end of February, John Pappas will step down from his role as the organization's Executive Director, a position he has held for more than a decade. Pappas will remain on the board of directors and will continue to be a strategic advisor to the PPA. Rich Muny, who currently serves as Vice President, will take on the day-to-day responsibilities in his new role as PPA's President. "John is a tremendous leader and a true professional. Under his guidance, PPA has emerged as a policy advocacy and grassroots powerhouse in Washington D.C. and in state capitals across the country. For almost a decade, he has been the political voice and face of the poker community and regulated internet gaming advocates. He leaves the organization in a strong position to continue to ensure that consumer voices drive the internet gaming debate," stated the PPA's longest serving board member and former chair, Poker Hall of Famer Linda Johnson. "There has never been greater momentum than right now for the advancement of sensible internet gaming policy in the U.S. Whether lawmakers are considering poker, casino gambling or even sports betting, a strong and organized grassroots effort will be critical to legislative success. I am proud of the work I have done with the PPA board of directors and the amazing PPA staff to bring us to this point. I will miss working for the poker community on a day-to-day basis, but I am confident that the PPA will continue its great work with Rich Muny at the helm," said John Pappas. Over the past several months, the PPA has been adjusting to a significant reduction in financial support from the internet gaming industry and thusly has refocused its efforts on cost effective grassroots advocacy. During this time, the organization has not missed a beat and was an instrumental force in the legalization of internet gaming in Pennsylvania this past October. "I am honored that the PPA Board of Directors and the poker community have entrusted me with this role, and I join my fellow board members in thanking John Pappas for his decade of outstanding leadership in the fight for poker," said Rich Muny, incoming PPA President. "I look forward to leading the poker community in this fight, building on the terrific successes of 2017." Additionally, the PPA is gauging its membership interest on the topic of sports betting and consumer advocacy. With changes to federal and state laws governing sports betting being considered this year, it is important to know if PPA's large and organized advocacy efforts can be leveraged to assist consumers as new public policy around sports betting is established. PPA has launched a webpage dedicated to sports betting and is emailing a survey to its membership. |