Amanda Blackford
Lewis Center,OH
Summary
Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven leader with significant background in public service strategies and program growth.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations and Problem Gambling Services
Ohio Casino Control Commission
12.2021 - Current
- In addition to the Director of Problem Gambling Services duties listed below oversees human resources, strategic planning, budgeting, and labor relations for the Commission
- Oversees procurement, EEO policy and reporting, DEI strategic planning, staff training, the public website, and recruitment and retention initiatives.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful completion of projects, resulting in increased productivity.
Director of Problem Gambling Services
Ohio Casino Control Commission
05.2016 - Current
- Acting director of the Division of Responsible Gambling
- Oversees all Commission initiatives related to problem gambling including, public services such as telehealth, and voluntary exclusion, policy and rules surrounding mandates on the gaming industry for responsible gambling programs, and research initiatives to mitigate individual risk and strengthen the system of care
- Ohio for Responsible Gambling Commission Representative- A partnership between Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Casino Control Commission, aimed at promoting responsible gambling in Ohio
- Provides overall direction for problem gambling prevention efforts throughout the state, along with workforce development efforts
- Provides direction for statewide responsible gambling campaigns, conferences, and the statewide problem gambling helpline
- Problem Gambling Advisory Board of Ohio Member- a board aimed at unifying and direct problem gambling policy, prevention, and treatment effort in Ohio. Acting chair of the policy and infrastructure committee, and chair of strategic planning.
Senior Investigator
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Investigate all criminal and financial backgrounds of any casino employee of Ohio Casinos
- Conduct background investigations on high level employees of vendors who wish to do business with the Ohio casinos
- Conduct in-person interviews with individuals under investigation
- Enhanced investigative processes by implementing advanced surveillance techniques and evidence collection methods.
- Produce written reports detailing investigations and making recommendations to the Commissioners as to what course of action should be taken for an individual who has applied for licensure
- Work with legal department putting together cases when action needs taken against a licensee
- Testify on behalf of Commission at legal hearings involving casino licensees
- As Senior Investigator- training incoming investigators to Commission standards
- Adhere to all laws of confidentiality, records retention, and Commission statute and rules.
Investigator
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Investigate all criminal and financial backgrounds of any casino employee of Ohio Casinos
- Produce written reports detailing investigations and making recommendations to the Commissioners as to what course of action should be taken for an individual who has applied for licensure
- Improved case resolution rates by conducting thorough investigations and utilizing effective interviewing techniques.
- Enhanced department efficiency with streamlined processes for evidence collection and documentation.
Licensing Analyst
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
03.2012 - 07.2013
- Analyzed HR procedures to ensure compliance with Ohio Revised Code
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate license issuance and compliance.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures for Commission’s Department of Licensing and Investigations.
Research Assistant
LAMS Research Study
03.2010 - 03.2012
- Analyzed data on bipolar children’s behavior, medication, and socialization
- Conducted Analysis of Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy
- Observational analysis through interactions with children and families
Education
M.A. Policy and Administrative Arts, Summa Cum Laude -
The Ohio State University
05.2020
B.A. Psychology, Magna Cum Laude -
The Ohio State University
06.2012
Skills
- Operations Oversight
- Process Improvement
- Risk Mitigation
- Capital Spending
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Project Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
Accomplishments
- Alumni in Government Service- Distinguished Service Award- Recognition for distinguished service to the citizens of Ohio by The Ohio State University Alumni Association
- Budget and Finance Capstone Completion- Completed the budget and finance capstone to further my expertise in matters related to budget management of public and non-profit sector entities
Relevant Experience And Awards
- Budget and Finance Capstone Completion, As part of my master’s degree, I completed the budget and finance capstone to further my expertise in matters related to budget management of public sector entities
- Alumni in Government Service- Distinguished Service Award, Recognition for distinguished service to the citizens of Ohio by The Ohio State University Alumni Association
- Chair: Strategic Planning Committee for Problem Gambling Advisory Board of Ohio, Directs committee meetings. Coordinates all committees. Provide consultation and guidance regarding the overall direction of problem gambling policy, treatment, and prevention effort in Ohio. Develops goals and measurables for the board
- Co-Chair: Policy and Infrastructure Committee for the Problem Gambling Advisory Board of Ohio, Directs committee meetings. Develop action plans for short and long-term achievement of agreed upon goals. Provide consultation and guidance regarding the overall direction of problem gambling policy, treatment, and prevention effort in Ohio
- Steering Committee Member: 2018 National Conference on Problem Gambling, Plans and organizes the 2018 conference. Scores and makes final calls on conference speakers and material. Markets and promotes conference
- Responsible Gambling Committee Member: National Council on Problem Gambling, Plans and organizes conference responsible gambling track. Partners with industry and regulatory peers to develop national best practices to promote responsible gambling. Promotes collaboration between industry, regulators, and treatment and prevention professionals
Affiliations
- Hiking
- Travel
- Reading
Timeline
Director of Operations and Problem Gambling Services
Ohio Casino Control Commission
12.2021 - Current
Director of Problem Gambling Services
Ohio Casino Control Commission
05.2016 - Current
Senior Investigator
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
07.2014 - 05.2016
Investigator
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
07.2013 - 07.2014
Licensing Analyst
The Ohio Casino Control Commission
03.2012 - 07.2013
Research Assistant
LAMS Research Study
03.2010 - 03.2012
M.A. Policy and Administrative Arts, Summa Cum Laude -
The Ohio State University
B.A. Psychology, Magna Cum Laude -
The Ohio State University
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