 Okay, everyone, we're live. My apologies to the public for our late meeting for a meeting. For a gender study meeting. Second Director Wells. Last, the gender study meeting, but she is looking forward to joining us by stating that she put that in her personal calendar. For the next one. I'll be checking on you. Alrighty. We're going to get started. We're holding this meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission virtually so we do need to do a roll call. I am here. Good morning again. Good morning. I'm here. Mr. Skinner. I'm here. Good morning. I'm here. Okay, we'll get started. It is July 12. And it's public meeting number 465. We'll have an administrative update from Executive Director Wells. Good morning. So just two quick things for you this morning. One is a quick follow up from yesterday's meeting that there may have been some misunderstanding. Just wanted to clarify in the discussion. There was, you know, there's some discussion about communication with commissioners. I've confirmed with all commissioners that there's never been any kind of issue with me being prohibited talking to any commissioners any kind of communication. I think that it was obvious to everyone just wanted to make sure that was clear because you never want any kind of misunderstanding on that. So just wanted to make that clear on the record. And then the other thing I wanted to talk about just as a little kudos to everyone here in the process of transitioning I have gone over, you know, all the items that are outstanding. I'm meeting for a couple of hours with the chair and with Commissioner Mayard on Friday. And it really was very telling, you know, going through all these things that are pending, and just really understanding the sophistication of the work and all the things that the commissioners do that the staff does and that we have accomplished and really something for myself for everyone to be really proud of this agency just does so much and it's so broad and so varied and we are on top of everything. And so I just wanted to compliment the commission and the staff going through that process was really helpful for me to sort of have an understanding of all that's going on so just wanted to point that out as we go forward. I'm meeting with General Counsel Grossman, as we transition over to his leadership, and I have every confidence in him, and I think he's in great shape to take over so I just wanted to point that out and turn it back over to you about chair. Okay, great. Before we go to legal, I just want to point out and I appreciate the opportunity to clarify roles and responsibilities as we shift over to our new interim second director again our congratulations to Todd Grossman. We're going to be celebrating Karen today, throughout the day into the evening. And I know that she and Todd have been a great duo together and that the transition will be seamless. And today at the last agenda setting meeting, I was able now that we have a little bit more time on our calendars for the commissioners as our very rigorous meeting scheduled opened up. I was able to give assignments to each commissioner on various roles. And again I appreciate each commissioner's willingness to support the team in a way that Executive Director Wells has appreciated that commissioner input. And as I said, it's up to the next executive directors to whether or not that arrangement will work for him. But again, each commissioner I thank you for the work and responsibilities that you'll take on accordance with today's earlier meeting. So thank you. And then, for now, turning to legal. And we have a few regs. It doesn't feel overwhelming. How are you feeling. Not not good. Hopefully this will not be overwhelming. So today we have three regs to bring back to you for a final vote. Those regs are 205 CMR 222 capital investment in monitoring a project construction as you'll remember that relates to the cat to facilities. Then we have 205 CMR 239 continuing disclosure and reporting obligations of sports wagering licensees and that relates to just like the title says the disclosure and reporting that the operators all have to provide to the commission. So we have 205 CMR 256.01 sports wagering advertising and just that one small subsection. The history of these is that they were brought to the commission and adopted by emergency vote so they are currently in effect. They have now gone through the comment period. And today is the vote is the day where we hopefully will get a final vote. So I will now turn it over to Paul and Mina at a and K to walk through each right specifically. Good morning commissioners. I'll take you through to 205 CMR 222, which appears on page four of your packet. As you know this regulation governs the mandatory 7.5 million dollar investment by category two operators receiving their license, as well as how the commission reviews and monitor reviews. The project plan for the category two facility and monitors construction on an ongoing basis. As I'm sure you will remember this was brought to the commission three times on the emergency. For emergency adoption at the first presentation we received considerable feedback from the operators. We then tweaked the red to respond to that and after further discussion with the commission brought it back at their time at which point it was adopted by emergency. At least then we've received no further comments on the regulation and we're not recommending any changes. However, I'm happy to answer any questions still I'm standing on the regulation. Questions for Paul questions. Any commoners. Good morning. My goodness, sometimes Mina, I just slur your name. I carry us. Thank you. Any questions for turning comments. Good to see you, Paul. Thank you. All right. Are you ready to move on this? I'm happy to make motion. I move that the commission approved the amended small business impact statement and draft of 205 CMR 222 as included in the commissioners packet and discussed here today. I move that the staff be authorized to take the steps necessary to file the required documentation with the secretary of the Commonwealth and to finalize the regulation prolongation process. Second. Any questions? Okay, Commissioner Brian. Hi. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. Hi. Mr. Maynard. Hi. Great. Thank you. And I vote yes. Five zero. Thank you so much. Thank you. Paul, do you continue? Thank you. Thank you commissioners. And I'll leave you with attorney Macarius for 239 and 256. Morning, Mina. Good morning, Madam chair. So we have two additional regs. The edits. These have also come before you. In the past with fairly light edits. The edits that were suggested for 239. In the past. Two types of graphical edits. One was. And then clarifying one. One was to clarify that by meant monthly means twice per month, which has been the actual. This is sorry on page 14 of your packet. Has been the practice. The commission has actually followed with respect to similar reporting for. Casino entities. On page 14 of the budget. And so that's the final lines down in section. I on page 14. Other than that, there are no proposed changes. To section 239. There are. We did receive a handful of comments that we can. I will talk through briefly. About 239. Although not on either of those two changes. in 239 before. The first of these comments, notes suggest that twice per month reporting of disbursements is excessive and that there'd be better use of resources elsewhere in our initial conversations when the issue of whether by annual, by monthly, excuse me Matt, every two months or monthly, we did have the discussions with staff in the IAB and they felt that this level of reporting has been helpful from the casinos in the past and would be helpful here. So our recommendation is to keep that as is. Does that question was the only one that's really on the part that we might, that would be clarified by this, but it wouldn't be changing. There were questions about the, a couple of other comments about the quarterly report covering complimentary services offered or engaged in during each quarter. Some of the operators suggested that that provides a information that could be seen as, as one specific information that could have some, excuse me, commercially sensitive information and could cause it to disclose personally identifiable information. And noted that they had concerns about that in light of the lack of protections around public disclosure of materials provided in the course of the sports wagering, under the sports wagering act versus the gaming act. The, I think those concerns are a little bit misplaced. Although there are concern or low the sports wagering act, 23N does not protect the same kinds of information as 23K might on a blanket basis. It does not supersede other protections you've put in place that the public records act has in place for personally identifiable information for one. And to the quarterly report that's referred to here in 23904M is, identifies the services being provided and specifically notes shall be aggregated the cost of complimentary services of items. So it doesn't need to include specific information on which person or patron receive, receive the particular complimentary services. So we continue to think it's appropriate to do that, especially where there have been concerns raised, I know, among the commission and by other commenters, including the attorney general's office in the past about what complimentary credits and services were being provided. So again, we're not recommending any change there. That comment, I believe appears on page 26 of your packet. It was repeated again on page 27, I think by the same entity. So I think that may have just gotten in there twice. Sorry. There's also the same entities as FanDuel raised a concern about the providing of federal and state tax returns to the commission under, and they say that that's under 23904. And I believe if I'm not mistaken that this in the category of information that is to be compiled and retained, it is compiled and retained by the operator. So there's actually not a requirement to provide that to the commission unless there's a specific request at which time any confidentiality issues could be addressed as necessary, might be protected by the investigative privilege. If it's in the course of an investigation, it might be protected by other exemptions from disclosure. So again, we don't think a change is necessary here. And in addition, these are comments that in the nature of ones that would have been made before this was promulgated, so just there's coming up again, so reviewing them for completeness. The comment from FanDuel on 23905 is that there's a question about payment of, there's an attestations required that taxes should have been paid, have been paid as required by 23N and 205CMR. There's a request to add language saying but excluding assessed tax liabilities that haven't been paid essentially because they're being contested. I don't think that additional language is necessary if there is a contest that can certainly be disclosed separately to the commission or that kind of notation, but it suggests that the certification needs to change person entity to entity and I think it could be a bit more confusing than necessary if there's an entity that wants to explain to the commission that it can't certify that because it's contesting taxes. I think it's up to that entity to make that certification, to make that point to the commission. Commissioner, do you have questions? I have a question just for General Counsel Grossman. To the point, now that we know from this morning that we're at least bringing in our sports wagering operators live to do these quarterly reports, if they did have anything that they thought was somehow going to put themselves in a competitive disadvantage, they would be able to reach out to legal into the sports wagering division and work on that so that they diminish their concern that something could be released publicly. Do we, does that happen now occasionally or how do we coordinate that? I agree that I'm in agreement with the recommendation from Anne Kay here. I just wondered is that, this has come up now and how do we kind of work with them on a practical basis? You'll recall of course that when it comes to the casino side, we have non-disclosure agreements which provide us an avenue by which to go into executive sessions to talk about certain sensitive information that may be provided in the course of the quarterly report submissions. We don't have that protection on the sports wagering side of the ledger. So of course we have all of the regular public records, exemptions and other executive session provisions but it will be a little bit trickier when it comes to sports wagering and protecting certain information. We were not afforded the same tools. We were on the casino side. So we'll have to take a look at the specifics. Well, the issue of competitive disadvantage only applies to the application stage. Just to the application, that's right. Well, I suppose too, if it turns out that it really is problematic, the commission could always decide whether or not they really need to have that information. But right now our reg stands as it is, right? And I will just add that in drafting this reg, initially we were very cognizant of this issue with the lack of protection or the difference in protections. And so stakeholders from within the agency all gathered and decided what do we really need and what maybe can we let go and had those conversations. We just didn't paste from the 100 series. So I agree we should keep an eye on it going forward but we did work pretty hard to decide really what we need for this particular reg. That's really helpful. Thank you, Katelyn. Thanks and thank you, Mina. No problem. The last comment on 239 was a general one essentially on this point that I think Fando was raising that issue more broadly. This is on page 30. And I think Katelyn's last point really covers the response to it that this was definitely the issue that was front of mind as we were drafting these regs and accounts for most of the differences between 131 and 239. And we specifically took the task of figuring out what the commission needed in the first instance to be able and staff of the commission need to be able to do their jobs versus things that should be retained for those moments when an investigation or an issue arises and records are needed in which case there is at least an ability to pause and figure out and alert the operator of what might be subject to disclosure if it's provided to the commission. So that's it for 239, Madam Chair. I can, I have all positive questions. Thank you for that. And thanks, Katelyn. Questions, commissioners, any other? Do I have a motion? Madam Chair, I move that the commission approve the amended small business and back statement and the draft of 205, CMR 239 as included in the commissioners packet and discussed here today and further that staff be authorized to take the steps necessary to file the required documentation with the secretary of the commonwealth to finalize the regulation from the patient process. Any comments or questions? Kishore O'Brien. Aye. Kishore Hill. Aye. Kishore Skinner. Aye. Senator Maynard. Aye. Michael, yes, fine, Sarah. Excellent. What have we got next? So Madam Chair, on page 22, it's a portion of 205, CMR 256. This being a commission meeting, we have to talk about 256 at some point. So this is the section we're talking about today. So 2501 is being edited with a very slight edit that we have discussed before. It's coming back for a final vote. This was removing the word net to clarify the intent of which of the third party affiliate arrangements are acceptable in which are not. So this would prohibit any, the word net was removed to avoid a confusion that had or a question that someone had asked of whether it was simply only, if the only prohibited arrangements for ones where the third party affiliate was paid based on losses versus paid amount wagered and it was a commission's decision to remove net because it has to cover amount wagered and losses as opposed to in that form. We received no comments on this. So this is really just to finalize this portion of the rank. I will note that in your packet on page 31, there is a comment on another subsection of 250601 which has to do with the disclosure of the identity of the sports waging operator and whether financial relationships exist between them and any person providing an endorsement. The comment kind of gets into the particulars of how that's done. Our recommendation since there was no recommended change that section is to leave that alone for the time being. I think what the operator is requesting is actually really more of an implementation piece and it may be wise instead to have operators provide examples of how they intend to fulfill 250601 for and the commission or commission staff could weigh in on whether that's an acceptable way to do that rather than try to be overly prescriptive in what will and will not satisfy in that section. Any questions for me? With this free record breaking if we don't ask any questions about 256? I'm gonna count down as a question. So we're set for the day. Good, I hate to break a record today. All right. Madam Chair, I'd be more than happy to make a motion. That'd be great. I move that the commission approved the amended small business impact in the draft of 205 CMR 256.01 as included in the commissioners packet and discussed here today. And further that staff be authorized to take the steps necessary to file the required documentation with the secretary of the Commonwealth to finalize the regulation promulgation process. Second. Thank you commissioners. Any questions about it? Galen, I'm still knocking on the wood. Commissioner O'Brien. Hi. Commissioner Hill. Hi. Patricia Skinner. Hi. Commissioner Maynard. Hi. And I vote yes. Five serials. Thank you and thank you to A&K. Are we all set for the legal portion? We are Madam Chair. Okay, thank you. Thank you for all your good work. Appreciate it. Okay, so returning to item number four but before we get to floor A commissioners, is there any update that you want to provide? Madam Chair, if I may for a quick moment at the meeting that we had before this one we had talked about legislative updates. And actually one has popped up that I think is something that we should all be aware of is that the House of Representatives is offering a supplemental budget for this July. And as part of that supplemental budget there is language in there between section three and section 22 that they would allow Simon Casting to happen for the next five years. But it's part of a supplemental budget and not a freestanding bill. So I wanted you to be aware that I believe they're gonna be taking that up this week. But as we know, it still has to go through the Senate and back and forth. But usually sub budgets are agreed upon beforehand usually, but I wanted to let you know that that is moving rather quickly now instead of as a freestanding bill through the supplemental process. And not one, not three, but five. Correct, through 2028. So I 31st of 2028. Yeah, I see that Dr. Leifan is on so I'm sure she's taking notes. All right, Grace and Commissioner Hill, thank you for keeping track of that. Thank you. Anderson, thank you so much. All right, is there anything else, commissioners? I have one thing, Madam Chair. I just want to get clarification on the new officer roles. Those new roles take effect when. I change to remember at July 15th date, but that's a Saturday. And so I just, I want us all to be on the same page. Commissioner Hill and I have already, we started to work to transition the response of my response of treasurer responsibilities over. And that question came up. So just to get to the group. Commissioner Skinner for those who may not know, yesterday we had a vote on the succession of officers. And this morning we got to thank, I think that Commissioner O'Brien for her leadership on developing of what's a fair process for succession. And Commissioner Hill will be taking over for Commissioner Skinner on treasurer responsibilities. And I know that Commissioner Skinner, you enjoyed that role. And we thank you for that. And thank you for the question today. And then Commissioner Hill is transitioning from secretary and Commissioner Maynard will be stepping into that position. And we thank Commissioner Hill for his work. So now to the question, I don't know the answer, Commissioner O'Brien or the procedure that we adopted at the meeting prior to this one, and two weeks ago was a default date of 715 as the effective date of the terms that would be the annual turnover time. Commissioner Hill did point out, given his position of being out of the office in the next week or so, how we address whether or not the treasurer needs to physically be here for anything. But it is July 15th, Commissioner Skinner you're right. That's the default date in the procedures that we adopted. So the issue around Commissioner Hill needing to be here physically, I guess perhaps the question is, do you have to sign anything in the interim and put an electronic signature where? So I assume those questions got taken care of. Are you all set? We're working on them as we speak. Okay, excellent. So good. And in terms of the secretary role, that should be pretty seamless, right? Bill, well, Brad takes part in some exciting wedding festivities next week. We extend our congratulations in advance to your daughter. All right, anything else, commissioners? Got clarification on that? We're just gonna, you're all right with that, right? July 15th, that works. That works. Okay, excellent. So now we have to get to our serious business at hand. On our agenda, it says farewell to Executive Director Karen Wells. And yesterday she made it clear she's not gonna be very far away and she'll be a great resource for our newly appointed interim Executive Director Todd Grossman. Again, we've worked closely together and I know that you're going to transition well, but Karen is saying goodbye to us, but in fact, she won't be far away and she is close with so many members of the team and commissioners. But we're gonna turn to some public remarks and we're having a nice opportunity to convene as a team and see Karen off at lunchtime and we'll have additional remarks and then even some an expanded celebration this late afternoon or the evening to truly launch Karen into her next step. So lots of opportunity to thank Karen. And then this is one where we can acknowledge you publicly, Karen, you have given your all for the last 10 years here. And of course, for these commissioners, mainly the exception of Commissioner O'Brien as Executive Director. So I turn to my fellow commissioners as we publicly acknowledge Karen and her contributions. And Karen, you can speak up whenever you want. Okay. Okay. I think the only thing that makes Karen more uncomfortable than the salary and performance review is probably today. So I'm gonna make it short and sweet to relieve the pain early, but I've known Karen since the late 90s. I'm not gonna get more specific than that other than to say that she and I go back a really long way in three different agencies now for working for the Commonwealth. And I say that I hope this is not the last time that I hope there's a fourth agency where you and I will cross paths together because it's been a learning experience professionally for me and then also personally just to continue to have a friendship with you over the years in these different environments has been very great for me. I hope it's the same for you. In terms of just looking at the MGC when I was asked to consider coming down here I have to say that as any of us probably did you start looking closer at an agency and you look at who's there and do I wanna come down and do I wanna be affiliated? And she's definitely one of the first people that I called as well just to get an unvarnished opinion of what the experience would be like, et cetera. And I said this when Brian Conner's left, I say it to you. And unfortunately I will say it again when Loretta leaves imminently as well. Unfortunately you guys leaving together but you were one of the factors that made my decision to come down here easier. I mean, I know the caliber of your work, your integrity and your honesty in terms of telling me what this agency was like and what it was all about. And so whether I thank you for it, I curse you for it probably depends on the day but in general I can always count on your candor and your professionalism. I think what you have done in this agency in the 10 years you've been here in terms of what you did with IEB part of you and Loretta really part of the last of the and I'm looking at Bruce's picture actually so this is not entirely accurate but the original guard in terms of building this up and as people used to say building the plane while it was in the air for IEB was a gargantuan task. And then you stepped up and twice serving as interim the second time at a particularly difficult time when we were also dealing with COVID and without missing a beat and stepping forward and handling all of that and then transitioning into the full-time role that you handled the wind investigation that was incredibly difficult across the board. You handled COVID, you've handled sports wagering and people I think say this I think both Alex and Todd yesterday when asked what if anything they learned from you a couple of days ago talked about your willingness to listen and actively listen and to pull people in and I think that's something I've seen across the board every time I've dealt with you. I think it's one of your best qualities. I'm sure I have other stories that I can bear issue with this afternoon and this evening but just to say, I'm sorry to see you go I know it's time for everyone to make changes and this is the time for you, I wish you well and we're gonna miss you but I do know where to find you so I will be calling you and good luck. Thank you so much, Ellie. I think I can go next. All right. The commissioner's gonna thank you, Commissioner O'Brien. Well, commissioner O'Brien I don't have nearly as long of a portfolio of experience with Karen than you do but we've only worked together for a really short time but in that time, I've gained a valuable professional resource and colleague and more importantly a friend to your earlier comments you were always available when I called professionally and personally and I thank you for answering those calls. I know you will continue to be wildly successful in your next professional life and no, I'm not buying this retirement bit at all. I'm happy you'll be taking time to enjoy your family but I can't wait to see what you do next. I think you are a fantastic manager, a fantastic executive director. I am really sorry that we did not have more time to work together. You've been such an inspiration, Karen and that smile I've been watching all meeting as I don't know, Commissioner O'Brien, I disagree. I think Karen likes this because she didn't stop smiling for a little bit towards the end of Nina's presentation but really just here's to you, Karen. You should be very proud of yourself. Your family should be very proud of you as you're walking out of this door for the final time into the next chapter. I know where to find you and I hope you'll continue to be available to me in the way that you were as you were managing your responsibilities as executive director and just a heartfelt thank you for everything, Karen. Thank you so much. Thanks, Commissioner Skinner. Commissioner Hill or Commissioner Mayer, Commissioner Hill. I'd be more than happy to go next. Karen, I'm gonna miss you a lot. I appreciated the very first day that I was sworn in. I was driving down from the state house to this new office that I had never stepped foot in I didn't know what I was getting myself into as most of us don't when we get appointed to new positions but as I was driving down Federal Street who was outstanding there, holding my garage key but Karen Wells herself. And that right there showed me what a very special leader we had in this commission. You could have sent anybody else down to wait for me to get there but it wasn't somebody else, it was you. And I'll never forget you standing at that entrance waiting for me and starting my career here at the Mass Gaming Commission. I'll never forget how patient and understanding you are with me when I first started working here which is a trait that not a lot of people have in today's world, you certainly do. And it's been a benefit to this commission. I've always appreciated the kindness throughout the last couple of years and your dedication to our employees' wellness. That is something that I think has been magnified time and time again. Your fearless leadership guided us through challenging moments. I don't think people on the outside of this agency will truly, truly understand what this agency went through in the last year. And you always ensure that everyone was practicing self care in and out of work. And that is something again that not too many people have that trait. And that is something that all of us at the Mass Gaming Commission is going to remember you by. Your leadership skills are something everyone talks about and have bettered themselves because of. I think it was Commissioner O'Brien who mentioned the last couple of days and we have had our interviews for the interim executive director. And the comments that were made about you that made them better people and would make them an executive director to be proud of was because of your interaction with them and what you showed them day in and day out. It's always hard to say goodbye to a colleague who has become such an essential part of this MGC team. I have this, I'm looking at it right now. I have this picture in my office of David Ortiz when he brought the city of Austin together. And he gave his well-known speech that we all know of you are our David Ortiz of this Mass Gaming Commission. And I will miss your infectious energy, your can-do attitude. It's been great working side-by-side with you these last couple of years. I too hope you the very, very best in any future endeavor that you have. And I too hope that this will not be the last time that our paths cross. Good luck to you and thank you for your job well done. Thank you so much, Commissioner. Commissioner Maynard? Commissioner Maynard? I don't know if I can follow that. Karen, this is during your review this year. You are a cornerstone of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. A patron who's responsibly enjoying themselves on a table tonight can thank in part Karen Wells, those feeling safe at a property or online can thank in part your work. People safely and comfortably earning a living at the properties can thank Karen Wells. Friends who placed wagers on the Super Bowl this year can give a huge thank you to Karen Wells and the state's budget has benefited from you. Problem gamblers have benefited from you being here. It's impossible really to name all the contributions. Karen, you're leaving with all the achievements and the battle scars that come with being a respected and dutiful servant. In short, you've touched the lives of millions of people through your excellent leadership, your administration of the IB and the MGC. Personally, I'm gonna miss you being the calm and the chaos and your patience, really the patient of a saint. You're already missed and you're the best of best. I wish you nothing but joy and happiness and the Commonwealth has benefited from your long service at the MGC and throughout state government. Thank you. Thank you so much. So I'm gonna piggyback up a couple of comments and then turn to some of my more prepared thoughts, Karen, but I do recall and I'm sure commissioners, you recall we received email from some invested member of the public who wanted to express their views about I think it had to do with sports betting, but at the very beginning, maybe it was at the end of the email, there was a summary of that individual's view of our series of meetings and they viewed it somewhat as a soap opera, mini series or whatever, but their favorite episode was Karen Wells' review and that he too wished that he could work for you. And so I love that because I don't think it was yours whatsoever, but I was glad that a member of the public really enjoyed hearing about how much we value your leadership here, how much we value your role as a colleague here. And again, sadly, all of our work has to be done in public, it makes for a hard dynamic, but you have always navigated that beautifully. And then I do recall Commissioner Hill's arrival, the onboarding that he anticipated with your being there to greet him. And I remember you said, well, he's not gonna know how to get in or whatever, I'm gonna be there. And I thought, that's really, really nice and there. Now we know just how much I've been to Commissioner Hill, right Karen? So your instinct was spot on and perfect. And again, oops, so appreciated, thanks my classes. So I'm not gonna repeat all the same remarks you've already heard, that I embrace them all. We're gonna have the opportunity outside of the public forum and probably always better in a note, Karen that I am verbally, but I do wanna thank you for being such a loyal and committed colleague. I speak here with the singular term, it's for me personally. I know how proud you are of your accomplishments over the last 10 years at the MCN. Your enormous contributions you've made over your career as a dedicated public servant. And I know that you appreciate that role and you're proud of it and you should be. You and I work together through the complexities of the windmatter, the complexities of the pandemic, the loneliness, the separation of the pandemic, the new world that we were living in, the pandemic and the obligations that came with also making sure that the casinos were generating the revenue that the commonwealth needed at the time and also maintained those jobs that were so critical to so many in a safe environment. And then, and I remember this well, Commissioner Skinner and Director Lillios you and I went off to a sports wagering seminar thinking it's kind of expensive seminar to do. And we knew that the legislation was gonna have to come by August 1st, it was going to come at all. But like we were buying an umbrella in case of a rainstorm, we went out and sure enough, Karen, contrary perhaps to public belief, I think we're pretty neutral as to whether it should arrive or not, but it did. And on August 1st, very early in the morning, you saw that your roadmap had been written for you for the next several months and into the years. And all of a sudden, your job expanded, but you had been preparing, your team had been preparing and while we couldn't figure out, we couldn't have anticipated all the twists and turns of the new legislation, you pivoted, came up some great solves and you were able to work with the commission's guidance and yes, our decisions to stand up sports wagering in a fashion that has been praised not only across this country, but globally. And I can attest to that because I'm very lucky that I get really nice comments and I'm sure my fellow commissioners do too. Wherever I go in terms of the folks who understand the work that you did. So we've navigated really complex matters together. You never wavered in your capacity and confidence to do so. And you did so as I said earlier, ensuring the safety of the public and the well-being of your team and always advancing the mission of this commission. You have been as you've heard and you've heard and that reviews a gifted leader within the organization and you are a there and highly respected partner to our licensees and to so many external stakeholders. I hear that, they appreciate you and know like us, they're all gonna really miss you. You manage with humility. You never assume you know all the answers. And even if you know you are sure, you take time to help those who are trying to figure it out. And that includes me. And for that, I am so grateful. I am grateful for your professionalism and your thoughtfulness and the way that you handle this position. And I'm going to know I personally am very, very thankful for every conversation, every phone call, every one on one meeting and every laugh and maybe a tear that we shared as we worked together to address the complexities that I just mentioned. I am so aware of how much I value the time that we worked together, how I never took it for granted. And I'll always remember your generosity, your empathy and your kindness. My close wish you knew your husband Graham and your sons the very best as you move on and determine your next. They've had to share you over the last several years. And I thank them too for the generosity and their understanding. And I wish you, your family, the very best in health and in happiness. Thank you. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. This is a little overwhelming. So as folks know, I'm a bit of an emotional person. So I'll try and keep myself together here. I realize we have time today to talk more personally but there were a few things that I wanted to say publicly. First of all, I would like to thank you, Madam Chair and the rest of the commissioners, both past and present, for your unwavering support of me over the last decade. The job of the executive director and the IEB director has been intellectually, professionally and sometimes emotionally challenging. And you have had my back the entire time. We have dealt with extremely complex issues over the years. And you have all been so impressive in your thoughtfulness, intelligence and real dedication to your duty as commissioners. So thank you for that. The other thing, second, I'd like to, and this is really important to me, I would like to publicly applaud the uncompromising integrity of the commission and the team that supports it. I am so proud to have been a part of an organization that has put the statutory mandate of ensuring the public confidence in the integrity of our regulatory oversight first. That has never wavered in the entire decade that I have been here. If you look at all that the commission has done, all that the commissioners have done, it is never ever wavered. And I'm so grateful for that. I am grateful for all of you. And I'm so proud to be part of that. And also, I want to give a real heartfelt thank you to the entire team that works here at the MGC. You are the elite. The level of professionalism and competence at this agency is unmatched. I have been impressed every day. And specifically to my senior leadership team. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for making me laugh when I wanted to cry. And thank you for making me better at my job. I am so grateful for you all. I would also, Dylan Dahlsby, I'd like to give a special thank you to Loretta Lillio since I won't be here when she leaves next month. Okay, so Loretta, you are the absolute best that there is. Professionally, you are simply outstanding, notably one of the best legal writers in the entire Commonwealth. I have no idea how I would have done this job over the last decade without you standing beside me. You are loved and respected by your full team. And you have been the best friend that I could have ever asked for at this agency. So thank you. So to everyone here, I'm so impressed. I'm so thankful. This has been an unbelievable experience over the last decade. I needed to wait for a time when everything was settled and smooth before I could make my departure. I know I'm not jinxing it, I'm not jinxing it. But so this was the right time for me. So thank you for being supportive of that. And I know I leave everyone in great hands. Good luck, Todd. You're gonna be great. And thank you too, all. And I hope we have a really fun day today all together. And I'm just extremely grateful. So thank you. Well, Karen, I'd like to turn to your team. Right now, Director Lillio is here. Maybe others are going to China and maybe they'll wait to see you. But certainly Director Lillio's have a lot to at least give you perhaps the first word for the team and perhaps the last word for today. Loretta? Thank you so much, Kathy. Very briefly, Karen, thank you for those kind words. Thank you for everything over these years. We have certainly done some problem solving in creative and challenging ways over these years. We've managed to have some fun while doing it along the way. I'm just so grateful for your leadership. It's been a model to all of us and grateful for your friendship that I know will continue. So congratulations and thank you for everything. Can I jump in? So I remember, I don't know if you do, Karen, the first day our paths crossed here at the gaming commission, we had known each other from our last jobs. We were in 84 State Street and I walked into the main lobby and I looked over and Karen Wells is sitting there and I said, what are you doing here? And I think she told me she was here for an interview. I assumed she was interviewing for the general council position, but needless to say, the rest is history. Since that time, Karen's name will certainly be etched amongst the legends here at the MGC. So smart, thoughtful, conscientious and overall just an amazing person to have worked for. You challenged me to be my best, not just for myself and for the commission, but for you. And I just always wanted to shine for you. So I mentioned in my interview that there'll be a heavy dose of Karen Wells in my leadership. That is a hundred percent the truth. Your legacy will live on here for a long time to come. It'll be greatly missed and thank you for a job well done. Thank you so much, John. We got Nina. Madam chair, if I may with your indulgence just want to thank Karen on behalf of the Anderson and Krieger team, everyone from Dave, Mackie and Lon and I and Melissa Allison and Steve Anderson who have worked with you over the years. Karen has been at this point, one of our longest tenured clients and one of our best. And so we appreciate the professionalism, the thoughtfulness, the direct and careful feedback and attention to everything we've worked on with you. We're very proud to have worked with you and to bask in some of the hard work you and you have led at the commission. So thank you for including us as part of that. And Madam chair, thanks for the opportunity. Thanks, Nina. Anyone else? There's Dr. Light down. Hi, Alex. Hi there. I would just like to say to Karen, thank you for everything she's done for the Division of Racing. She's came in very smoothly and she really thought things. She really right away picked things up, understood the landscape, made my job so much easier. I didn't have to do a lot of explaining, just picked it right up. I've known her since the beginning of the commission and it's been wonderful to see her as she moved into the different roles and did all of them with great ease, kindness and professionalism. I just really appreciated all of that. So I know Karen will be going on to other things and I look forward to seeing what else she accomplishes and wish her very well. Thank you so much, Alex. Thanks, Alex. Anybody else wanting to chime in from the team if you're on board? I'm just gonna, there we have Chief Maltrew. David? Yes, I would like to say thank you, Karen. I just around the corner 40 years ago, I started off as a corporate recruiter for Fidelity Investments. And at that time, I told myself my goal was to be a C-level executive in human resources. And I never thought I was gonna get there. And I said, okay, well, you try, you try, you try. And then I had the opportunity to interview with you and the commissioners and then we met. And I want to thank you for one, for giving me the opportunity to reach their goal. Two, and many of my leadership and my training I've taken as I'm a learner, I've learned so much from you. You walk to walk and that's not just, you're not a soundbite, you really do. And you exhibit the behavior that people should follow. I know I tried and believe sometimes it was hard, but at the same time, I wish you the best. You are the best supervisor I've ever had. And I've had a lot of good ones. And I just want to thank you so much for your support of me, your faith in me. And I really wish you the best going forward. Truly though. Thank you so much, Dave. Any other members of my team want to chime in? I know we're gonna see her. So I do want to give opportunity. There's Marianne. Hi, Karen. Hi, buddy. I just want to say that it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you and for you over the last 10 years. And I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. And I know we'll be friends and just the best. You deserve the best. Thanks so much, Marianne. Sometimes Marianne is on the other side of the table, Karen. Yeah. Given her that extra boost, right, Karen? Yeah. Marianne has that capacity to do that, right? Anyone else? Again, it's not putting anyone on the spot, of course, Karen, but I just want to make sure they have the opportunity in the public forum. All right. Commissioners, there's a party. Being planned, at least a barbecue, as I understand it, a summer barbecue. And I think it starts around noon, right, Marianne? Yeah, Grace and Marianne. And Karen's nodding her head. Yeah. So it's gonna get Karen an opportunity. I know Karen, for you to thank your team more person than for us to continue celebrating all your contributions. And I know we're looking forward to it. So commissioners, if there's no more business at hand, we can conclude this public meeting and enjoy our time with the team here today. Do I have a motion to adjourn? Move to adjourn. Okay. Comments, edits. Karen, you said to me, let's make it fun. Yeah. Okay, that's fine. Everyone, so let's adjourn with the spirit that Karen's asked for. So commissioners, are we ready to adjourn this public meeting? Commissioner O'Brien. You betcha. Commissioner Hill. Aye. Commissioner Skinner. Woo-hoo! Thank you. Thanks for playing. And for Karen, Commissioner Maynard. I was gonna say, Madam Chair, you said you've never heard an A in this vote. So I won't do it today. Bye. And we adjourned this meeting with my yes, five, zero, but we are in fact, celebrating your decision, Karen, for you and all that it brings for you and your family. We wish you much joy. Thank you. We're adjourned. Thank you so much.