Two new board members joined MNAPG in July. Each brings a unique background and perspective to our organization. Northern Light asked them about their experience and what they hope to contribute.
Terra Carbert, Senior Recruiting Manager for Frederick Fox
NL: Can you share a little bit about your background?
TC: I was born and raised here in Minnesota. I am a recovering compulsive gambler living in recovery since 2016. In my professional life, I work as a recruiter, a life coach for women in transition and as the host of the Ambitious Addicts podcast. I attained a recovery coaching certification in 2020 to better support others working through recovery.
NL: What prompted you to join the board?
TC: As a person with lived experience in recovery from compulsive gambling, I was looking for a way to make an impact—to create awareness about and advocate for recovery solutions for those affected by gambling. This opportunity aligns with my personal passions and allows me to give back to the community in meaningful ways that can help others.
NL: What do you hope you can contribute to the board and the mission?
TC: I can bring the voice of lived experience, having lived in recovery every single day. Given my experience of being addicted, I have experienced the harm. I hope to contribute a unique perspective, whether that’s to educate the industry, legislators or clinicians working to treat those in recovery while helping MNAPG work towards its vision.
NL: Are there particular areas within problem gambling that are of special interest to you?
TC: For me, it’s all about the voices of women who have experienced gambling harm and normalizing the conversation about gambling being a public health threat. When I look back on my gambling, I wish there could have been an intervention. I want to see a world where the rooms of recovery and solutions are as diverse as the people we encounter at casinos and in the lines to buy lottery tickets, and to elevate the voice of women to help address the seeming bias that only men are affected. And that recovery is possible, as I am a personal testament to this.
NL: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
TC: I enjoy travelling, music—especially karaoke—and rehabbing furniture. I love to do just about anything outside. I also do some volunteering with SciMathMN, a STEM Education non-profit in Minnesota, and try to attend events related to the startup world here in Minnesota. Of course, I also love spending time with family and friends.
Steve Griffiths, General Manager at Jackpot Junction
NL: Can you share a little bit about your background?
SG: My journey in the gaming industry began on the front lines as a dealer in Las Vegas, which gave me valuable insights into the core operations and customer experience, ultimately serving as casino manager at the Golden Nugget Casino. From there, I transitioned to tribal gaming, serving as general manager for several major tribal casinos, including the Tulalip, Muckleshoot and Puyallup casinos. During that time, I also served on the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, which eventually became the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. I played an active role, primarily as treasurer for approximately 15 years, heading up fundraising initiatives and expanding tribal support to address the issue of problem gambling. In total, I’ve spent more than 25 years building and running tribal gaming facilities and working on issues such as problem gambling.
NL: What prompted you to join the board?
SG: I met with Susan (Sheridan Tucker) and we discussed the work I did in Washington and recognized an opportunity to contribute, given my experience in developing problem gambling training programs for tribes in that state. I firmly believe in the importance of operators recognizing their social responsibilities. It’s crucial that gaming operations consider the potential negative impacts on some individuals. As both a human being and a gaming professional, I feel a personal duty to address and balance these concerns.
NL: What do you hope you can contribute to the board and the mission?
SG: As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been involved in a lot of training programs, including setting criteria for both frontline and senior staff. I’d like to help with the development of a “certification” program that tribal and commercial casinos can complete to demonstrate their commitment to meeting certain operating standards—sort of like a Better Business Bureau stamp of approval. Developing such a program aligns strongly with my background and could significantly advance industry standards and enhance MNAPG’s positive impact across Minnesota. I’d also like to obtain more tribal and non-tribal support for MNAPG. Casinos derive most of their benefits from gaming, and I think contributions to organizations like MNAPG would help to address the societal impacts of that activity and would be helpful and important for all involved parties. I am genuinely excited to join the MNAPG board and look forward to contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit the statewide community.
NL: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
SG: Outside of professional commitments, I greatly enjoy travelling and have been an avid scuba diver for many years, having travelled to locations such as Hawaii, Micronesia and the Caribbean. I enjoy the sights above and below the water and learning about the local cultures. I’ve also recently had knee surgery and am looking forward to hiking and spending more time outdoors again.