Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
On Oct. 16, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission appointed attorney John Ziemba as ombudsman, meaning that he will serve as the contact for potential host cities and towns and their surrounding communities and provide technical assistance in negotiating agreements, according to a statement from the commission.
He also will help guide casino developers through the application process, and facilitate meetings between developers and state agencies involved with licensing and permitting the new facilities.
Ziemba has served in several state government positions, including undersecretary in the former Office of Transportation and Construction, policy director in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and deputy director of consumer affairs and business regulation.
More recently, Ziemba has worked as a partner in the Framingham law firm Bowditch & Dewey, where he was a co-chair of the firm’s government practice and helped found its renewable energy practice.
Gaming Commission Chair Stephen Crosby said Ziemba’s “extensive experience with state government agencies, real estate development, and municipal government is a major asset to this critical position, which will assist developers and communities navigate what is inevitably a complex process.”