Glenn Yamagata has more than 26 years of experience in leveraging data to inform public policy and help companies effectively manage and utilize their data assets. He has spent the last 8 years working on problem gambling issues and has co-authored more than 15 presentations, reports, and papers. He has an MPhil. in Economics and an MA in Statistics from Yale University. He is the Executive Director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling and is on the Board of Directors of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery, Inc.

Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology and the Director of the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) at East Carolina University. Dr. Malkin's research interests include a focus on gambling-related harms, gambling-motivated crime, and the gambling prevalence, behavior, and risk of historically oppressed, marginalized, and under-researched populations. Her research has been recently published in journals such as the Journal of Gambling Studies and the Journal of Gambling Issues. Her dissertation on Problem Gambling, General Strain Theory, and Gender received the 2022 Dr. Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling. She received the 2024 ECU Early Trendsetter Award for her research on gambling-related issues and has also been awarded ECU's Innovator of the Month Award for her creation and copyright of the Gambling-Motivated Crime Diversion Checklist.

Keith Whyte has 30 years of national experience in promoting responsible gambling and preventing gambling addiction. Keith is a highly effective advocate, public speaker, policy analyst and program designer with extensive broadcast media experience. He is Founder & President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC where he serves as a strategic advisor to U.S. and international organizations, NGOs and companies, including gambling operators, vendors, investors, state and tribal governments, on gambling-related issues. He provides expertise in advocacy, government relations, planning, program design, policy analysis, public speaking, fundraising, training, assessment and project management.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl is founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specializes in problem and responsible gambling policy. She most recently served as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development for EPIC Risk Management, a global harm prevention consultancy, conducting work in over 24 countries. Prior to her role at EPIC, Brianne served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Her experience includes over a decade of leadership in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and communications.

Doura-Schawohl’s practice spans a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government. She has a history of achievements in State and United States Congressional legislative work, including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues. This continues to be invaluable in her ability to make a difference on behalf of people with gambling problems around the world.

Doura-Schawohl works with Congress and numerous state legislatures and regulators to provide expert advice on gambling policy. She continues to work with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she has been featured in international, national, state, and local media, including ABC News, Bloomberg, CBS, CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, The Athletic, The Financial Times, The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, CBC and others. 

Brianne was named one of the top lobbyists in 2023 and 2022 by ‘The Hill’, named one of the top 100 lobbyists in 2022 and 2021 by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), was featured as one of the 25 People to Watch in 2022 by Global Gaming Business, an honoree of the 2023 class of 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Gaming, is an honoree of the 2023-2024 ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ by Global Gaming Women and CDC Gaming Reports and named one of the top 10 most influential women in gaming in 2023 by iGB. In 2019 she was appointed as a member of the Digital Gaming Advisory Group for the State of Hawaii and continues to serve on various coalitions. 

In 2020 and 2021 she was a guest faculty member for Seton Hall Law School at their Gaming Law, Compliance, and Integrity Program and continues to be a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota, Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations, and at Bradley University. Doura-Schawohl presents at conferences and other public events on gaming policy across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. 

Doura-Schawohl serves on the Board of Directors for Kindbridge Behavioral Health and is a member of the leadership team of the NILE Next Gen Executives committee, a group committed to advancing educational & networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders within the government relations profession. She is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling military affairs committee.

Mrs. Doura-Schawohl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. She is a proud military spouse and resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her family.

Dave Wohl is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. With a passion for improving patient care and healthcare systems, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from West Virginia University, and an MBA from Western Governors University. Additionally, Dave is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), demonstrating a commitment to leadership excellence within the healthcare field.
Before joining ICPG in 2023, Dave held various roles within healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to department management and hospital administration.  With a wealth of experience, Dave brings a unique perspective and leadership to ICPG.

Jane Wong is the author of the memoir Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City (Tin House, 2023), winner of the 2024 Washington State Book Award. She also wrote two poetry collections: How to Not Be Afraid of Everything (Alice James, 2021) and Overpour (Action Books, 2016). She is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and fellowships and residencies from the U.S. Fulbright Program, Harvard's Woodberry Poetry Room, Artist Trust, Hedgebrook, Ucross, Loghaven, the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, and others. An interdisciplinary artist as well, she has exhibited her poetry installations and performances at the Frye Art Museum, Richmond Art Gallery, and the Asian Art Museum. She grew up in a Chinese American take-out restaurant on the Jersey shore and is an Associate Professor at Western Washington University.

Mimi Tsang, MPH is a Program Manager at Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA). Mimi earned her Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Behavior Promotion from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At MAHA, she oversees substance use, gambling, and bullying prevention programs, leading public health outreach and awareness across Chicago’s Southwest Side. Passionate about education and health equity, Mimi raises awareness about substance use and gambling-related harms while working to reduce stigma in underserved communities, including Asian American populations. She partners with youth, schools, and local organizations to deliver accessible resources, facilitate workshops, promote harm reduction, and support early prevention efforts.

Wenjia Dou is a Program Coordinator at the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), where she leads initiatives focused on substance use, gambling, bullying, and suicide prevention. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration track from the University of Chicago. Wenjia has conducted multiple community workshops on gambling awareness for parents and adults, as well as addressing internet addiction and gambling behaviors in gaming among youth. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she is passionate about promoting culturally responsive education and support within Asian American communities.

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a highly regarded gambling addiction expert working extensively across the globe with individuals, organizations, and associations. She is the CEO of The Better Institute, a group practice located in Pittsburgh. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals (2021) and 2 chapters in the Social Workers Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling and Gaming Disorders, published in 2022. She serves as an Advisor to several startup and non-profits organizations including GamFin, Birches Health, and Seagulls Flock in the Philippines. She also serves as an Emeritus board member for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Jody holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and has several certifications with the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, CGT).

 When Jody isn’t working, you can find her providing pet therapy with her dog, Hanna, and supporting her husband’s business, Pittsburgh Guitars. Please email jody@betterinstitute.com or visit www.BetterInstitute.com to contact Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT.

Elizabeth Mulvaney earned her MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BA in psychology from the University of Virginia.

As a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, she focuses primarily on teaching within both the MSW and BASW programs.  She holds clinical social work license in Pennsylvania and has 14 years practice experience as a gerontological social worker providing medical, care management, and program administration services, with experience in long-term care including behavioral care planning, dementia care, and end of life care.

Current research and practice interests include geriatric workforce development, interprofessional education, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, ethics, palliative care, and problem gambling prevention for older adults.  Mulvaney served as the School’s first Coordinator for the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education from 2005-2011.  She is currently the Chair of its Direct Practice Specialization and its Gerontology Certificates  In Community.  She serves on the board of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging as it advocates for our communities to meet the needs of older adults, persons with disabilities and the people who work with them.

Dr. Amanda McCormick is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, a Research Associate with the Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research, and the Commitment Leader for the Peace and Reconciliation Centre’s Community of Practice in Reducing Domestic Violence at the University of the Fraser Valley. Dr. McCormick has completed numerous research studies on problem gambling, most notably three longitudinal evaluations of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation's Voluntary Self-Exclusion program.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl is founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specializes in problem and responsible gambling policy. She most recently served as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development for EPIC Risk Management, a global harm prevention consultancy, conducting work in over 24 countries. Prior to her role at EPIC, Brianne served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Her experience includes over a decade of leadership in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and communications.

Doura-Schawohl’s practice spans a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government. She has a history of achievements in State and United States Congressional legislative work, including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues. This continues to be invaluable in her ability to make a difference on behalf of people with gambling problems around the world.

Doura-Schawohl works with Congress and numerous state legislatures and regulators to provide expert advice on gambling policy. She continues to work with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she has been featured in international, national, state, and local media, including ABC News, Bloomberg, CBS, CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, The Athletic, The Financial Times, The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, CBC and others. 

Brianne was named one of the top lobbyists in 2023 and 2022 by ‘The Hill’, named one of the top 100 lobbyists in 2022 and 2021 by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), was featured as one of the 25 People to Watch in 2022 by Global Gaming Business, an honoree of the 2023 class of 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Gaming, is an honoree of the 2023-2024 ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ by Global Gaming Women and CDC Gaming Reports and named one of the top 10 most influential women in gaming in 2023 by iGB. In 2019 she was appointed as a member of the Digital Gaming Advisory Group for the State of Hawaii and continues to serve on various coalitions. 

In 2020 and 2021 she was a guest faculty member for Seton Hall Law School at their Gaming Law, Compliance, and Integrity Program and continues to be a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota, Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations, and at Bradley University. Doura-Schawohl presents at conferences and other public events on gaming policy across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. 

Doura-Schawohl serves on the Board of Directors for Kindbridge Behavioral Health and is a member of the leadership team of the NILE Next Gen Executives committee, a group committed to advancing educational & networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders within the government relations profession. She is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling military affairs committee.

Mrs. Doura-Schawohl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. She is a proud military spouse and resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her family.

Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel (pronouns: she/her) is an associate professor and the Program Director of the Masters of Social Work graduate program at Pennsylvania Western University. As a Licensed Clinical Social and PhD level researcher, Dr. Diez-Morel has dedicated her work to helping improve the lives of youth, families, adults and communities. She is the author of a plethora of presentations, scientific research studies, and book chapters on the topics of gaming disorder and associated behavioral addictions. In 2013, Dr. Diez-Morel founded Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for a balanced living in a technology driven world. She has established education, prevention curriculums, treatment, and research on gaming disorder and other problematic technology-based behaviors for children, youth, adults, and families that have been utilized by organizations worldwide. Her work has been presented nationally and internationally to aid prevention workers, social workers, counselors, and medical professionals working with youth, families, and adults experiencing psychosocial concerns or harms due to their gaming or technology use behavior.

Dr. Diez-Morel earned her Ph.D. from Florida International University where she was awarded a student scholar in Health Disparities Research Fellowship with CRUSADA (the Center for Research on US Latino/as Drug Abuse and Addictions) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Diez-Morel utilizes her expertise in behavioral health and addictions to serve in various role including as Emeritus Board Member of the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) and through this role, helped to lead development of the world’s first International Gaming Disorder Certification for helping professionals. Dr. Diez-Morel is also the co-lead for the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Gaming Disorder Taskforce and serves as the National Association of Social Work’s (NASW-PA) 2nd Vice President of Finance and Executive Committee member. Dr. Diez-Morel continues her clinical practice as a licensed practitioner and splits her time between direct clinical practice, research, prevention work, teaching, and service to the community. 

Dr. Kasra Ghaharian completed his Ph.D. and M.S. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. He is currently Director of Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute. Ghaharian's research centers around data science applications in the gambling industry. His most recent work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and gambling, which seeks to understand the ethical issues and risks associated with this emerging technology.