The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has appointed Charles H. Jeffers II Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. The Washington, DC-based organization announced the move on October 26, ten days after Heather Maurer's final day.
Jeffers founded The Jeffers Group, which advises organizations on interim leadership, governance, operations and culture. NCPG said he has more than 30 years of nonprofit executive and consulting experience.
He previously served as Interim Executive Director of the American Occupational Therapy Association and CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. His career has included technology, membership, marketing and strategic planning roles.
Board President Derek Longmeier said Jeffers will focus on aligning operations with strategy and transparency while reinforcing organizational culture. Vetted Solutions will lead the search for a permanent Executive Director beginning in January 2027.
NCPG had said in September that a national search was under way; the latest announcement sets a timeline for the Vetted Solutions process.
The council has undergone several leadership changes in two years. Longtime Executive Director Keith Whyte left effective January 13, 2025, and Nancy Green took over on an interim basis.
NCPG named Maurer in November 2025 and she began in January 2026. On September 26, the council announced her resignation and said she would remain through October 16 to assist the handover.
NCPG did not state a reason for either departure.
Jeffers also arrives amid scrutiny of NCPG's relationship with prediction-market operator Kalshi. The council announced in May that Kalshi would contribute $2 million over two years to a trader health and safety initiative and join as its first Financial Services & Trading member. The arrangement prompted some state regulators to reconsider their ties with NCPG.
In September, NCPG said prediction markets can carry gambling-related harm even if classified differently under federal law. It also said member contributions do not determine its research, policy or advocacy positions.
The appointment release does not connect Jeffers's selection or Maurer's exit to the Kalshi disagreement.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board gave initial approval to remove NCPG resources from state regulations on October 8. Michigan and Ohio regulators had also cut ties with the council amid scrutiny of the Kalshi agreement.
Jeffers holds a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University
