Amanda Brewer becomes Senior Vice President of Policy & Communications and Brandon Aboultaif becomes Vice President of Western Canada; Salim Adatia (GLI) and Mike Maodus (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) join the CGA Board as Scott Vanderwel (PointsBet Canada) is appointed Chair.

Amanda Brewer has joined the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications, and Brandon Aboultaif has assumed the position of Vice President for Western Canada.

Amanda has served as a consultant to the Association for over 15 years, playing a pivotal role in achieving numerous CGA milestones. “I am confident she will apply her enthusiasm and expertise to this new position, which more precisely aligns with her ongoing contributions on behalf of our members,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO, CGA. Amanda remains actively engaged in AML and advertising bill initiatives in Ottawa, along with the Alberta consultation process, where the Association is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and AGLC to prepare the province for its iGaming market launch.

Brandon is the former Press Secretary to Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction and will be a great addition to the CGA. “With the Alberta market soon opening, it has been an important goal to expand our presence into the western part of the country,” added Mr. Burns. His key responsibilities include advancing industry research and education initiatives, supporting member engagement across Western Canada, and fostering collaboration on responsible gaming, innovation, and market development initiatives that strengthen Canada’s gaming ecosystem.

In addition, Salim Adatia, Managing Director, Canada for Gaming Laboratories International, LLC, and Mike Maodus, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, have joined the CGA’s Board of Directors, and Scott Vanderwel, CEO for PointsBet Canada, becomes the Association’s new Chair.

The full 2026 board is as follows:

• Salim Adatia, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
• Bruce Caughill, Rush Street Interactive
• Peter Czegeldy, Aird & Berlis LLP
• Neil Erlick, Nuvei
• Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat
• Charmaine Hogan, Playtech
• Dale Hooper, FanDuel
• Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment
• Mike Maodus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
• Terry McInally, Gateway Entertainment
• Niaz Nejad, Non-Member Director
• Derek Ramm, Kinectify
• Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
• Richard Taylor, Niagara Casinos
• Shane Thompson, Konami
• Scott Vanderwel, PointsBet Canada (Chair)
• Scott Woodgate, BetMGM

We are also pleased to welcome three past chairs as Emeritus members of the board:

• Ilkim Hincer, IC360
• Carrie Kormos, CK Consulting Inc
• Bob Parente, Light & Wonder

“Amanda and Brandon have joined the CGA as full-time members to oversee several important national campaigns,” stated Scott Vanderwel, Chair of the Board. “We are also pleased to welcome Salim and Mike to the Board. The Board has worked closely with Paul over recent years to advance the Association’s leadership and board structure. We have full confidence in Amanda and Brandon as they step into these key roles, as well as in the valuable contributions that Salim and Mike are expected to bring as we prepare for an active 2026 workload.”

Mr. Burns stated that the newly announced executive and Board appointments will strengthen CGA’s position and support its expansion into Western Canada. “Amanda brings extensive CGA experience, while Brandon contributes knowledge of government policy at both federal and provincial levels. Coupled with our enhanced Board, I am confident they will help drive CGA’s objectives and ongoing growth.”

Source: canadiangaming.ca