AGA makes senior-level promotions, new hires to enhance organization and drive industry priorities

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced on Tuesday a series of senior-level promotions and new hires. The decision was made in an effort to enhance the organization and drive industry priorities, according to a press release.

Alex Costello has been promoted to Vice President, Government Relations; David Forman has been promoted to Vice President, Research; Gabrielle Voorhees has been promoted to Vice President, Finance and Operations; and Brandon Leggiero has been promoted to Senior Director, Member and Partner Relations.

"I'm immensely proud of the team we have built at the AGA. Today's announcement reflects their hard work and significant achievements on behalf of our members and the gaming industry," said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. "These talented professionals, and the rest of our strong AGA team, will help us continue to lead the industry through this new era of growth."

Costello directs the trade association’s federal advocacy efforts. She leads the association's work on BSA and AML; advances core priorities and builds gaming champions on Capitol Hill; and oversees the payments modernization and anti-human trafficking working groups.

🚨 NEW: The AGA has made four senior-level promotions and three new hires!

Read about our growing team ⬇️ https://t.co/QQ2LvDcJQP

— American Gaming Association (@AmericanGaming) April 5, 2022

Meanwhile, Forman leads AGA's proprietary research program. “He has positioned the AGA as the go-to source for members, industry, media and investors by building insightful, compelling products like the Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker and AGA Gaming Industry Outlook,” a press statement describes.

Voorhees oversees the AGA's financial operations and human resources. Having successfully navigated the association's finances through pandemic impacts, the executive “ensures the association's financial strength and compliance with financial and organizational policies.” 

On the other hand, Leggiero is responsible for member and partner relations and development: he leads the association’s strategy to retain, grow and diversify membership in an effort to reflect the breadth of the industry.

Additionally, the AGA has also added what it describes as key hires in government relations, communications and member services. Tres York joins from the National Conference of State Legislatures as Senior Director, Government Relations to lead state advocacy and regulatory engagement.

Meanwhile, Christopher Browne joins from the Washington Nationals as Director, Media Relations to manage AGA's media efforts and drive industry narrative; while Annabelle Goese joins from Resources for the Future as Senior Manager, Member Services to support AGA member and partner relations.

Bill Miller, AGA's President and CEO

The national trade group represents the $261 billion US casino industry, including commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. "The addition of high-caliber talent like Tres, Christopher and Annabelle enhance our ability to advance gaming's interests and deliver member value," added Miller.

Last month, the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) announced the election of Miller to its governing board. Michael Soll, president of The Innovation Group; and Daron Dorsey, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), were also appointed to the board.

Miller has served as president and chief executive officer of AGA since January 2019. He has more than three decades of experience on Capitol Hill and representing business interests in Washington, DC.