The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Amanda Brewer as senior vice president of policy and communications, and Brandon Aboultaif as VP for Western Canada.
Brewer has served as a consultant to the CGA for over 15 years, while Aboultaif is the former Press Secretary to Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
“I am confident she will apply her enthusiasm and expertise to this new position, which more precisely aligns with her ongoing contributions on behalf of our members,” said CGA president and CEO Paul Burns. “Amanda remains actively engaged in AML and advertising bill initiatives in Ottawa, along with the Alberta consultation process, where the Association is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and AGLC to prepare the province for its iGaming market launch.
Aboultaif’s key responsibilities include advancing industry research and education initiatives, supporting member engagement across Western Canada, and fostering collaboration on responsible gaming, innovation, and market development initiatives that strengthen Canada’s gaming ecosystem.
“With the Alberta market soon opening, it has been an important goal to expand our presence into the western part of the country,” added Burns. “Amanda brings extensive CGA experience, while Brandon contributes knowledge of government policy at both federal and provincial levels. Coupled with our enhanced Board, I am confident they will help drive CGA’s objectives and ongoing growth.”
In addition, Salim Adatia, managing director for Canada at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and Mike Maodus, partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon, have joined the CGA’s Board of Directors.
PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel becomes the Association’s new chair.
The full 2026 Board of Directors:
Salim Adatia, Gaming Laboratories International
Bruce Caughill, Rush Street Interactive
Peter Czegeldy, Aird & Berlis
Neil Erlick, Nuvei
Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat
Charmaine Hogan, Playtech
Dale Hooper, FanDuel
Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment
Mike Maodus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon
Terry McInally, Gateway Entertainment
Niaz Nejad, Non-Member Director
Derek Ramm, Kinectify
Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
Richard Taylor, Niagara Casinos
Shane Thompson, Konami
Scott Vanderwel, PointsBet Canada (Chair)
Scott Woodgate, BetMGM
The CGA also announced three past chairs as Emeritus members of the board:
Ilkim Hincer, IC360
Carrie Kormos, CK Consulting Inc
Bob Parente, Light & Wonder
“Amanda and Brandon have joined the CGA as full-time members to oversee several important national campaigns,” said Vanderwel. “We are also pleased to welcome Salim and Mike to the Board. The Board has worked closely with Paul over recent years to advance the Association’s leadership and board structure.
“We have full confidence in Amanda and Brandon as they step into these key roles, as well as in the valuable contributions that Salim and Mike are expected to bring as we prepare for an active 2026 workload.”