Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Joni M. Thrower Davis and Andrew T. Palms as members of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Davis, of Detroit, owns and operates four McDonald’s restaurants in the Detroit area and is the managing partner for Jamjomar Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and and juris doctorate from Emory University School of Law. This reappointment marks Davis’s second four-year term on the MGCB, having succeeded Patrick M. McQueen in December 2019.
Palms, of Chelsea, is executive director of ITS Infrastructure at the University of Michigan and has been part of the university for more than three decades. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, business and engineering from the University of Michigan. Palms was appointed to the board by former Gov. Rick Snyder in February 2012, and this year is his 12th year on the board.
Both will serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
The MGCB oversees the operations, licensure and regulation of Detroit’s three commercial casinos: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown and regulates fantasy contests, pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming. It also audits tribal gaming compact agreements with the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.
The board consists of five Michigan residents appointed by the governor, with no more than three from the same political party. One member is designated as the chair. The board has one vacant seat.
Davis and Palms serve with Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds and chairwoman Linda Forte. Their reappointments are pending approval by the Michigan Senate.
“I appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s decision to reappoint Joni and Andrew to the board, which is well-deserved recognition of their dedication, expertise and valuable contributions to our agency’s mission and vision,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “I am confident that the reappointment of these board members will ensure continued stability, effective decision-making and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Michigan’s gaming industry. I look forward to continuing our work together for the citizens of this great state.”
