LARRY GREGORY SELECTED AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MISSISSIPPI CASINO OPERATORS ASSOCIATION
BILOXI MISSISSIPPI (July 22, 2011)- Larry Gregory, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, has entered into a letter of intent with the Mississippi Casino Operators Association, Inc. (“MCOA”) for the position of Executive Director. The parties are working toward finalizing an employment contract. Larry recently announced his retirement from the Mississippi Gaming Commission, a position he has held since December of 2001. Larry is expected to begin his new position as Executive Director of the MCOA sometime during September. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Gregory also held the positions of Deputy Executive Director from 1998 – 2001 and as Chief of Staff from 1996 – 1998. Before working for the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Gregory served in other state government capacities, serving as Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Personnel Board, Secretary to the Mississippi Transportation Commission and staff member to the Mississippi Legislature. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, he served four years in the United States Air Force. He received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. He also received a Certificate of Paralegal Studies from Mississippi College.
During his time at the Mississippi Gaming Commission he has helped to regulate the $2.8 billion Mississippi gaming industry, managing a staff of 145. Gregory has helped to institute a strict but fair regulatory approach within the industry, modeling the state’s free market approach of regulation behind that of Nevada. A guest commentator and speaker to numerous media outlets, forums, conferences, and civic clubs, Gregory attributes the success of the gaming industry within the state to solid regulation and a sound business approach. Most recently, in the wake of devastating Hurricane Katrina, Gregory has helped move forward recovery and reconstruction efforts for the state’s gaming industry, drafting regulations to redirect rebuilding along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The International Masters of Gaming Law named Gregory 2005 Regulator of the Year. MCOA Chair Tess Ingram, General Manager of Lighthouse Point Casino in Greenville Mississippi, believes the appointment of Larry Gregory as the MCOA Executive Director will solidify the industry’s good working relationship with the State of Mississippi and the public’s perception of gaming as a positive economic benefit to all Mississippi citizens. “We are extremely pleased to be able to continue to work with Larry as our Executive Director after many years working with him at the Mississippi Gaming Commission”, said Ingram. “His experience and knowledge of our industry as well as his established working relationships throughout the industry will make this an easy transition for him as well as our members and we look forward to expanding the Association’s impact and reach with Mr. Gregory at the helm”.
Larry and his wife Mollie live in Jackson with their daughter, Fran and son Gate. They are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
CONTACT: Chett Harrison, Vice-Chair
Mississippi Casino Operators Association
(228) 697-0800
