Three 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.
Joan Schimml, Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Lottery
NL: Can you share a little bit about your background?
JS: As the director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Lottery, I oversee external and internal communications, social responsibility and legislative affairs. Prior to joining the Minnesota Lottery, I held leadership positions at organizations in various industries (agency, association, corporate, government and nonprofit), including senior director of communications, community relations and marketing for YMCA of the North; director of global public relations and community relations for Trane and Thermo King; and more.
I’ve been very intentional about working in various industries. When I was younger and worked at a PR agency, I had a mentor who said, “When I look back on my career, I wish I would have worked in every industry so I could understand how to best communicate and engage with different audiences.” I really took her advice to heart.
NL: What prompted you to join the board?
JS: The Minnesota Lottery strives to increase awareness of responsible gambling practices, problem gambling warning signs and how to get help if you or a loved one needs it. Working with partners like MNAPG, I look forward to advancing our lottery’s work to serve the community by increasing awareness and providing resources about problem gambling.
NL: What do you hope you can contribute to the board and the mission?
JS: The Minnesota Lottery is committed to preventing problem gambling and encouraging responsible gambling habits. Along with sharing the efforts of the Minnesota Lottery and connecting them with other organizations supporting the industry, I hope my commitment to community service and expertise, as well as my experience in communications, helps advance the work of MNAPG.
NL: Are there particular areas within problem gambling that are of special interest to you?
JS: Increasing awareness of healthy and informed play.
Lisa Vig, Gambling Addiction Counselor at Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota
NL: Can you share a little bit about your background?
LV: I’ve been a gambling counselor since 1991 and am also a licensed addiction counselor, certified international gambling counselor and board-approved clinical consultant. I have 30 years of experience at Lutheran Social Services and have been a provider in Minnesota for close to two decades, as I live in Fargo along the state border.
I have developed an online workbook for adults wanting to confidentially and privately explore their gambling through a program called “Gambler Healing.” I have also provided clinical consultation to providers in Minnesota to help them with problem solving and to be successful in their treatment efforts.
NL: What prompted you to join the board?
LV: I love the providers in Minnesota. Susan does an amazing job and I just wanted to be part of that group, to expand my knowledge base and to offer insights from my experience.
NL: What do you hope you can contribute to the board and the mission?
LV: My 30 years of experience is a long time and I hope that’s valuable in some capacity. I also hope that I can help encourage new ventures and new opportunities that the alliance might want to be part of.
NL: Are there particular areas within problem gambling that are of special interest to you?
LV: I’m concerned about the rapid expansion of gambling and the associated public health concerns. I would like to be part of those solutions. I also hope that I can inspire others to get involved with this work. It’s very rewarding.
Amanda Jackson, Gambling Manager, Spring Lake Park Lions Club
NL: Can you share a little bit about your background?
AJ: After working part-time selling pull tabs, I became a gambling manager with the Spring Lake Park Lions in 2013 and am an active and proud Lions Club member. The funds we earn from our gambling operation are donated directly to the community. As I learned more about the industry, I joined the board of Allied Charities of Minnesota, a trade organization that serves as an advocate and resource to licensed Minnesota charities. I’m currently the vice president of Allied Charities and enjoy all the opportunities over the years I’ve had to advocate for charities doing great work for their missions and communities.
NL: What prompted you to join the board?
AJ: I met with Susan Sheridan Tucker about MNAPG and problem gambling. I realized right away that I have a lot to learn and joining the board will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and become more involved in the mission.
NL: What do you hope you can contribute to the board and the mission?
AJ: I hope to share my perspective, experience and knowledge about the charitable gambling industry with MNAPG, and learn how to bring awareness to those I work with directly.
NL: Are there particular areas within problem gambling that are of special interest to you?
AJ: I’m interested in the people and the players. I hope that after learning more about problem gambling and the resources available that I’ll be able to help someone. Addiction comes in all different forms and giving someone help and hope is a very important first step.