[NEWS RELEASE] Jim Ananich named Chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board

DETROIT, April 28, 2025 — Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams today announced that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Jim Ananich, of Flint, to serve as the new Chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), effective April 25, 2025. Ananich succeeds Linda Forte, whose term has expired. He will serve a term expiring December 31, 2028, and will represent Democrats on the Board. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.

“Jim Ananich is a proven leader with a long-standing commitment to public service and the people of Michigan,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB. “His legislative experience, strategic insight, and collaborative approach make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Board as we continue our mission to ensure the integrity of gaming in Michigan."

Ananich is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Flint Health Coalition and serves as a lecturer in state and local government at the University of Michigan-Flint. He previously served as Michigan Senate Minority Leader, State Representative, and President of the Flint City Council.

Ananich began his career as a high school social studies teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political economy from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Michigan. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

“On behalf of the entire Board and staff, I also want to thank Linda Forte for her steady leadership and dedicated service over the past several years,” Williams added. “Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the evolving gaming landscape and expanding our commitment to responsible gaming.”

The Board is comprised of five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one designated as chairperson. In accordance with the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three Board members may belong to the same political party. A quorum of at least three members is required to conduct official Board business.

Ananich will serve as Board Chair alongside current Board members Joni M. Thrower Davis, Mark Evenson, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds, and Andrew T. Palms.

The next public meeting of the Michigan Gaming Control Board will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Cadillac Place in Detroit. A full schedule of 2025 MGCB meetings is available at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to game responsibly.