About California Council on Problem Gambling (CalPG)

Our Mission

We are a nonprofit organization, founded in 1986. We work to reduce gambling-related harm by connecting people to help, providing education and training, strengthening prevention and treatment access, and advocating for people harmed by gambling, including affected others, families, and communities.

Our Vision

We seek a future where gambling-related harm is understood, prevented when possible and reduced when it occurs, and where every person affected by gambling has access to support, protection, treatment, and recovery.

Our Neutrality

We are neutral on the availability and scope of gambling, including whether gambling should be legalized, expanded, restricted, reduced, or prohibited. CalPG advocates for help and prevention services, funding, research, and other protections for people harmed by gambling, including affected others, families, and communities.

Leadership

Executive Director

Robert Jacobson

Robert Jacobson has been the Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling since 2011, and his unique perspective on responsible gaming is derived from both his personal and professional experiences.

Robert worked in the gaming industry from 1998 to 2010, for both Las Vegas and California casinos. His casino experience includes gaming operations, marketing, project management and human resources.

Robert also sits on the advisory board for the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling, has served as the President and Treasurer of the Board for the National Council on Problem Gambling, and has served on the Gambling Policy Action Committee, a committee to advise the California Gambling Control Commission.

Deputy Director

Tonya Williams, MBA

Tonya Williams has worked for the Council since 2008, beginning as a Program Manager and working her way up to Deputy Director. Prior to joining the Council, she worked in the gaming industry with experience including human resources, marketing and communication, and training.

Board of Directors

CalPG is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a range of backgrounds, experience, and professions, with a shared commitment to CalPG’s mission and the people and communities we serve.

Executive Committee
  • Ben Shiller (President)
  • Darin Scharer (Vice President)
  • Cathy Shink (Treasurer)
  • Donna Brown Agins (Secretary)
Directors of the Board
  • Dr. Eric Geffner
  • Suzanne Koch Eckenrode
  • Andrew Masiel
  • Paula Negrete
  • Kyle Kirkland
  • Lauren Cole
  • Michael Ibach
Advisory Board
  • Richard Rosenthal
  • Bob Weinstein
Bennett Shiller
President
Darin Scharer
Vice President
Cathy Shink
Treasurer
Donna Brown Agins
Secretary

Opportunities

Opportunities to get Involved

History

How We Got Here

Help Us to Help Those in Need!

We are deeply appreciative of private contributions such as yours, which play a meaningful role in our ability to directly serve up to 50,000 people each year, while reaching more than 1 million more through public messaging in that time.