Caitlin Monahan to lead Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s investigative division

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has confirmed the appointment of Caitlin Monahan as director of the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB), with Dean Serpa named executive director of the MGC.

Monahan has spent three years as a member of the MGC’s legal division, including as deputy general counsel, and has served as interim director of the IEB since December.

Prior to joining the MGC, she was a litigator in the Boston office of the law firm WilmerHale, having started her career as an assistant in the state government’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

“I am excited for this important opportunity to lead the Commission’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau,” said Monahan. “Having served in the MGC’s legal division previously and in this role on an interim basis, I know the essential work in front of us and look forward to continue to collaborate with my colleagues across the MGC to ensure the integrity and safety of gaming in the Commonwealth.”

The IEB is the largest division at the MGC and is responsible for ensuring the integrity of Massachusetts gaming operations.

The IEB has an investigatory side, staffed with members of the Massachusetts State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit and financial investigators, who complete background checks and ongoing suitability determinations on operators, vendors and employees of the gaming establishments.

The IEB also has an enforcement side, staffed with Gaming Agents, who ensure that the Massachusetts casinos are in compliance with all regulations promulgated by the Commission. Additionally, the IEB oversees the MGC’s licensing division.

“Caitlin has been a valued member of the MGC team for a number of years, first in the legal division and recently as interim IEB director - this experience will help ensure her success as she begins this new role,” said MGC chair Cathy Judd-Stein. “Her contributions have been essential to the work of the MGC in the regulation and oversight of casino gaming, horse racing, and establishing sports wagering in the Commonwealth, and I know she will continue to meet and surpass our high expectations as a leader of our organization.”

The MGC’s Commissioners have also appointed Dean Serpa as executive director of the MGC.

Throughout his career, Serpa has served in multiple senior roles throughout Massachusetts state government, including leadership roles for the office of Governor Charlie Baker. He currently serves as the chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC).

“I want to thank the commissioners for entrusting me with this important role, and I look forward to joining the committed team at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,” said Serpa. “I am passionate about moving projects from inception to competition and working with teams to get things done - I am excited to build on my experience with GPAC as I get started as executive director of the Commission.”

The executive director serves as the executive and administrative head of the MGC and reports to the five-member Commission.

“Dean’s unparalleled operations experience and record of leadership and service to the Commonwealth will allow him to step into the role of executive director and have an immediate impact on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,” said Commissioner Eileen O’Brien. “His time as chair of the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee will provide him with an essential level of familiarity regarding MGC policies and programs as he begins his tenure.”