Melissa Eckenrode From: Sent: To: Subject:

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1 From: Paul Ashe Sent: Wednesday, May 29, :16 PM To: Keith White Subject: Re: Herman Goldman Award Nomination of Patricia Fowler Dear Keith: As a past recipient of the Herman Goldman Award in 2002, it is with great pleasure and honor to nominate Patricia (Pat) Fowler, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), for consideration of the National Council on Problem Gambling's (NCPG) Herman Goldman Award for Pat has worked for the FCCG prior to it's incorporation in 1988, and recently celebrated with the FCCG her 25th. anniversary with the Council. She has also served as a long-term member of the NCPG Board of Directors, was the past chair of the Helpline Committee, and has promoted many initiatives at both the State and National levels including: Helpline Operations, Adolescent and College Student Programs, and programs assisting Older Adults. Pat's participation is assisting Compulsive Gamblers started in the early 1980's when she was actively involved in Gam-Anon, and served 2 years as the first International Chair of Gam-Anon in the early 1990's. She was also instrumental in bridging the gap between GA/Gam-Anon and the various State Council's of the NCPG after the formation of the FCCG in In 1992 she assumed the role of Executive Director of the FCCG and has served in that full time position to date. Under Pat's leadership for the past 25 years the FCCG was instrumental in implementing many programs and research to assist all diverse populations adversely effected by pathological gambling. In 2002 Pat received the NCPG's "Distinguished Program Award" for the FCCG's program "Dealing with Addiction" which provided insight and direction to the Medical Field in dealing with the Compulsive Gambling Addiction. Pat also secured Florida State certification for compulsive gambling addiction and prevention practitioners, and obtained approval of the Florida Medical Association for authorization of continuing education credits for medical and health care professionals for curriculum developed by the FCCG. She also then secured funding from the State of Florida and gambling industry to fund these programs. Pat's ultimate accomplishment was accomplished a few years ago when she prevailed upon the Seminole Nation to provide funding for gambling treatment to any citizen of the State of Florida. Today, anyone in Florida who cannot afford treatment, or who is not insured for same, can obtain treatment free of charge, or on a sliding scale based upon ability to pay. Over the past 25 years Pat has always been a strong advocate to assist those in need to resolve the adverse consequences of compulsive gambling. Whether dealing with the State of Florida officials or the gambling industry, she has always been committed to assist those in need, and does not accept "No" for an answer. Pat's experience has included training Casino Personnel about compulsive gambling, educating the Florida Lottery and the Department of Business Regulations (in charge of Casino operators) about all aspects of compulsive gambling, prevention, education, awareness, and implementation of Self Exclusion Programs. 1

2 I am including under separate e mail 4 additional letters of recommendation for Pat's award for the Herman Goldman Award from the former Florida Lottery Director, David Griffin, the President of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, John Fontana, Laura Letson, the former Executive Director of the New York Council on Compulsive Gambling, and Renee Siegel, a current BOD member of the NCPG. Accordingly, since the Herman Goldman Award is given in recognition of a career dedicated to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness, I strongly believe that Patricia Fowler is more than deserving of that award in Respectfully submitted, Paul R. Ashe Paul R. Ashe Paul R. Ashe, Esq. 2

3 Confidential 24-Hour HelpLine: 888-ADMIT-IT May 24, 2013 Mr. Keith Whyte Executive Director National Council on Problem Gambling th Street NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC Dear Keith, It is with great pleasure that I nominate Pat Fowler, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, for the Herman Goldman Advocacy Award. Per the National Council on Problem Gambling s nomination requirements, enclosed please find five letters of support documenting Pat s 25 years of professional advocacy in the field of compulsive gambling. The attached package also reflects Pat s experience and ability in establishing partnerships in diverse arenas within the gambling field, bridging government, industry and the private and public sectors. If you have any questions or require anything further, please feel free to contact me at or at prachief@gmail.com. Thank you. Sincerely, Paul R. Ashe President 901 Douglas Avenue Suite 200 Altamonte Springs, FL Tel: Fax:

4 DAVID GRIFFIN CONSULTING 201 South Monroe St. Suite 201 Tallahassee, Florida My name is David Griffin and I served as Florida Lottery Secretary under Governor Jeb Bush from and as Executive Director of Jeb Bush s 2 nd term transition team. I am writing this letter of recommendation for Pat Fowler s nomination for the Herman Goldman Award for Advocacy. I met Pat for the first time in 1994 when I was Deputy Director of Sales for the Ohio Lottery. At that time I knew nothing about the issue of compulsive gambling and I had no interest in being educated on the subject. My mindset at the time was that I was in the business of selling lottery tickets and if someone had a problem with over spending that was their problem not mine. I recall arguing with Pat and stating that I saw no reason for any lottery to be involved in the issue of compulsive gambling. However, I will never forget sitting with Pat in the large conference room of our headquarters as she passionately explained to me why I should care and why I had had a moral responsibility to assist those individuals who would gamble and ultimately realize they cannot control their urge to gamble. Her words resonated with me and while I was not the final authority in Ohio her words left an imprint on me that remain to this day. In 1999 Governor Jeb Bush appointed me Secretary of the Florida Lottery, at the time the 5 th largest lottery in the United States. Shortly after my appointment I was called to the office of a prominent State Senator. When I arrived at his office there sat Pat Fowler. The Senator informed me that he intended to file legislation requiring the Florida Lottery to allocate a certain amount of its budget to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. I told the Senator that legislation would not be needed because I had already met Pat and she made it clear to me that if I was going to sell lottery tickets I had a moral responsibility to care about the people who would become addicted (we still laugh about our early meetings in Ohio and how she was determined to show me I was wrong she won). I told the Senator that I didn t need legislation to compel me, because of Pat Fowler I wanted to support the mission of the Florida Council. During my tenure as Secretary, the Florida Lottery gave more than $1 million a year to the Council (the highest in the nation) without legislation and with full support of the administration. This would never have been possible without the advocacy of Pat Fowler. Whether we speak of problem gambling prevention programs for middle and high school students, think tanks or dealing with individuals with multiple addictions Pat is there advocating for resources and understanding. Pat Fowler believes in her cause and it shows. Under Pat s leadership, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) has developed programs for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals; veterans and in-service military and their families; incarcerated youth and elementary through college students. In short Pat has been a tireless advocate for the issue of compulsive gambling for 25 years and I believe nothing is a bigger testament to her power of persuasion and passion than the fact that I am writing this letter on behalf of her nomination almost 20 years after meeting her for the first time and having no interest in hearing anything she had to

5 say. It is because of Pat Fowler that I write this letter of support today as an advocate of all those who are dealing with the issue of compulsive gambling. Sincerely, David Griffin David Griffin, Esq.

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8 Laura M. Letson 3370 Carman Road Binghamton, NY May 22, 2013 Mr. Keith Whyte Executive Director National Council on Problem Gambling th Street NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC Dear Keith, I am writing in support of my dear colleague Pat Fowler, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), for consideration of the National Council on Problem Gambling s (NCPG) Goldman Award for Advocacy. As you know, Pat has been working for the FCCG for more than two decades, which we recently celebrated together at the FCCG s 25 th anniversary conference, along with Don Feeney, NCPG s President, and many others. In addition, Pat has served as a long-term member of the National Council on Problem Gambling s (NCPG) Board of Directors and has spearheaded initiatives at both the state and national levels (e.g. Helpline operations, programming geared toward older adults, adolescents and college students, etc.). As background, I met Pat over 18 years ago when I became the Executive Director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling. When I met Pat, I realized immediately that her experience far surpassed most I encountered in my business travels early on in the process. From the outset, Pat was always identifying ways to improve upon outreach and service approaches in Florida. However, this wasn t sufficient in that she was equally committed to improving the playing field across the county. Back in the early 90s, Pat was a leading expert on senior and adolescent populations and was instrumental in devising age specific programming, including securing approval by a state education department (alongside other major state agencies) to have prevention curriculum presented within schools across Florida. She even contributed her time and talents to the self-help community when volunteering as Gam-Anon s first International Chairperson. Within 25 years time and under Pat s leadership, the FCCG has implemented programs for nearly every primary target population and led research in areas where little to no research had been previously examined. As you know, in 2002, Pat was honored with the NCPG s Distinguished Program Award for the FCCG s Dealing with Addiction program, which provided insight and necessary direction for mental health, addiction and other practitioners. And, to date, Pat secured state certification for compulsive gambling prevention and addiction specialists, obtained approval by the Florida Medical Society to issue continuing education credits for medical and other health care professionals (FCCG developed curriculum) and secured funding from both state government and the gambling industry. Today, in Florida, the only reason that free treatment exists for those who cannot afford clinical supports for a gambling problem is because Pat worked tirelessly until this objective was accomplished. Over time it has become apparent that Pat s personal triumphs of living with a compulsive gambler, and her ability to intimately understand the true impacts of gambling addiction, comprised a powerful combination, alongside her overall passion for helping those suffering from the adverse effects. I also realized early on that

9 Pat s ability to garner support within different arenas was something not only to be admired but replicated. To a large extent, while Pat would never take credit for several significant accomplishments completed in the field to date, the truth is that she either inspired it, directed it, funded it, or provided much needed guidance or support. Her honest and direct style were and continue to be admirable characteristics. She was always committed to doing the right thing and to persevere throughout long-term uphill battles, which were plentiful in the more than two decades she has navigated this terrain. Pat is also steadfast in speaking openly about issues of concern, including those involving agencies or gaming operators financially supporting the work of the Florida Council. Simply stated, she never backed down from sharing her views publicly regardless of the potential implications. Fortunately, her actions typically brought about positive changes and she is well respected. Her continued positive relationships with the Florida Lottery, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and numerous gaming operators across the state, is another measure of the high opinion she has earned and the stature of the FCCG. The truth is that what started out as a mom and pop organization in 1988 has transcended into Florida s statewide advocate on gambling addiction. This alone is a testament to Pat s long-term contributions in the field. (Please see letters of recommendation from John Fontana, President of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida, and David Griffin, former Florida Lottery Secretary.) `Finally, as the Goldman Award for Advocacy is given in recognition of career dedication to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness, it is quite fitting that Pat Fowler be the 2013 recipient. Thank you very much for your consideration. If you have any questions or require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at or via at letson101@aol.com. Sincerely, Laura M. Letson Laura M. Letson

10 Dear Nomination Committee, Renee Siegel, MA, LISAC, NCGC-II, BACC ABC Wellness and Healing 8669 E. San Alberto Suite 201 Scottsdale, AZ I hereby, submit my recommendation for Pat Fowler to be the recipient of the Herman Goldman Award. Pat Fowler is the embodiment of someone who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, research, training, the promotion of public awareness and mentoring others through various aspects of each of these areas. Pat Fowler has over 25 years of experience in working with those impacted by problem gambling and continues to serve and demonstrate her ongoing commitment to working with this population. I have had the privilege to know Pat for over 15 years. We have been colleagues and worked on various projects together very closely during the last 4 years. During our work together, I have found Pat to be open to and curious about the evolving needs of those impacted by compulsive gambling. She has the insight and ability to develop a team of people that can address the current needs and forecast those of the future. Pat is both an Affiliate Member of the NCPG and a Board Member of the NCPG currently. In addition, she has a history of serving in this capacity. Because of her history with the National Council for Problem Gambling, she is aware of both the past accomplishments of the organization and its current needs. Pat Fowler has worked selflessly and diligently with others to build the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling to be the amazing and comprehensive organization it is today. The FCCG collects data, offers resources, hosts a well-run hotline, has and continues to develop relationships with others and maintains a progressive vision for moving forward. A most significant example is the evolving professional collaboration with the Seminole and Miccosukee nations. Respectfully Submitted, Renee Siegel Renee Siegel