Missouri Governor Jay Nixon recently named a new Chairman for the state’s Gaming Commission. The new Chairman for the regulating body is Barrett Hatches. He will be replacing James Mathewson who previously stepped down as Chairman at the end of last month. Mathewson vacated his position three months before it was to expire.
With the position vacated by Mathewson, Hatches will be facing several challenges of his own. One of which is to find a way to improve the revenues so they can be able to help the schools in the entire state.
Mathewson has chosen not to serve another term in order for him to spend more time with his family. During his tenure as the Chairman of the Commission, the 13th casino license in Missouri was awarded to developers. Also, disassociated gamblers were given a pathway to be reinstated. He had previously served in the House of Representatives and in the Senate in the 80s.
Now, Hatches also has a good record of achievements that he could boast about. He has been a member of the Missouri Gaming Commission and was appointed by the Governor. He was tasked to serve a three-year term in April 2010. The Commission enforces regulations and statutes, which directly affect how the charitable bingo and riverboat gambling in the entire state are being run. He is also the President of Hatches Consulting, a business consultancy firm in Kansas City.
There are other positions that Hatches has held in the past years, like being the Chief Operating Office of Swope Community Enterprises. It’s a company dedicated to building “healthier communities”. A part of company is the Swope Health Services, which is a non-profit health system. Swope Community Builders is also part of the said company and focuses more on community development.
In the past, Hatches has worked as a special agent for the Santa Fe Railroad. He handled criminal investigations that involved the employees and the company. Then, he rose to success and became the President and CEO of the Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Enstar Natural Gas in Alaska. He left this position to work for the Missouri Gas Energy as the Field Services Director.
