President Delegate Shawn Fluharty

Shawn Fluharty, Esq. Shawn Fluharty serves as the Minority Whip in the West VirginiaHouse of Delegates where he was first elected in 2014. In his legislativecapacity, he haschampioned both sports betting and iGaming through the legislative process as well asresponsible gaming initiatives. His combined experience in state government and theprivate sector gives him a rare, balanced perspective on gaming regulation. His leadershipand insights into the evolving iGaming landscape make him a valued voice in shapingthoughtful, future-ready gaming policy and standards. As President of the National Councilof Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Shawn oversees abipartisan group oflawmakers dedicated to sound public policy and proper regulation of the gaming industry.He was named as the Top 25 to Watch in 2024 by Global Gaming Business. Previously, hewas a finalist for Policymaker of the Year by the American Gaming Awards.Nationally recognized, Shawn has been a featured speaker at many gaming conferences,including most recently leading global policy discussions at the G7 Brain EconomySummit. He has also been selected as Chair of the Steering Committee of theBetterGambling Forum as part of the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly.

President-Elect Representative Al Williams

Al Williams proudly serves the citizens of House District 168 in Georgia. Elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 2002 after a lifetime of civic and political involvement, he was sworn in on January 13, 2003, alongside 51 other freshmen state representatives. Rep. Williams exemplifies the qualities of a devoted family man, dedicated church leader, military veteran, businessman, and a tireless advocate for the hardworking people of Georgia.

In the Georgia House of Representatives, Rep. Williams brings his expertise to a wide range of influential committees. He serves on the Rural Development Council, the Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Safety, the Special Subcommittee on State Prisons, and the House Rules Committee. His involvement also spans the Economic Development and Tourism, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Game Fish and Parks, and Regulated Industries committees. Additionally, he is a member of the Georgia Joint Military Defense Commission. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including his tenure as chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus—the largest Black caucus in America—and his receipt of numerous accolades, such as the prestigious Trumpet Award in 2008.

Rep. Williams’ political journey began early. At just 13 years old, he volunteered as a doorknocker for John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign. This formative experience ignited his passion for civic engagement, leading him to acquire his first NAACP card and become the inaugural Youth Council president for the Liberty County Branch. His leadership continued as vice president of Georgia’s State Youth Council, the first African American national committeeman for the Young Democrats of Georgia, and ultimately the first African American state representative from Liberty County since Reconstruction. He also served as a political advisor and session aide to prominent figures such as Zell Millerand the late Senator Glenn Bryant.

His commitment to civil rights is deeply rooted in personal experience. Rep. Williams participated in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, he was jailed 17 times for his activism. His dedication to the Democratic Party is reflected in his role as a delegate to eight Democratic National Conventions, including service on the Rules Committee during the DNC in Philadelphia.

Beyond politics, Rep. Williams is an active leader in his community. He serves on the Liberty County Visitors and Tourism Committee, chairs the Liberty County Development Authority, and sits on the board of the Midway Coast Regional Airport Authority. He is vice chairman of Fair Fight Action and a founding board member alongside Stacey Abrams. ANAACP Silver Life Member, he is involved with numerous organizations, including the Liberty County Democratic Committee, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, National Association of State Legislators, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

Born and raised in Liberty County to the late Alexander and Carrie Williams, Rep. Williams was shaped by strong church and community values. He grew up with his twin sister and two other siblings, guided by a father who worked as a laborer and a mother who taught in the Liberty County School System. His grandfather, the late Rev. W. C. Shipman, was the first Black registered voter and NAACP member in Liberty County.

A Vietnam War veteran, Rep. Williams pursued higher education at Saint Leo University and John Marshall School of Law, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Trinity Bible College. Among his most treasured memories is a 2000 visit to the Holy Land with his beloved wife, Olivia. Together, they have celebrated over 40 years of marriage and are proud parents of five sons.

Through his enduring commitment to public service, Rep. Al Williams continues to exemplify principled leadership, advocating for the needs and aspirations of his community while building a legacy of empowerment and progress.

Vice President Representative Christie Carpino

State Rep. Christie Carpino proudly represents the 32nddistrict. The residents of Cromwell and Portland re-elected her to an 8th term in November 2024. Carpino has been re-appointed by House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora to continue her service as the House Republican Caucus Chair. She will serve as the House Chair of the Regulation Review committee. Additionally, for the new two-year term she will serve on the Government Administration & Elections, and Public Health committees.

Christie believes in community service. She's focused on the initiatives that matter most to the people in her district and across Connecticut. She’s advocated for increased employment opportunities and resources for those with disabilities, improving veterans’ services, supporting our first responders, protecting our children, and making Connecticut more affordable. She is also a strong advocate for women’s rights. In 2023, Carpino was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls.

Rep. Carpino has been recognized by the following organizations:

• Cromwell Children's Coalition for her ongoing support and work enhancing young lives in our community
• Cromwell St. Patrick's Parade Committee, Town Honoree
• National Foundation of Women Legislators, Women of Excellence Award winner
• The Hartford Business Journal “40Under Forty”
• Women In Government named her to their national Executive Committee as a result of her dedication to promoting the role of women within government
• National Conference of Legislators from Gaming States elected her as their Vice President
• CT State Medical Society for her advocacy against the deterioration of the practice of medicine
• Cromwell Fire Department for her work to promote and advocate for the department
• CT Marine Trades Association named “Honorary Crew Member Award” for her support of the recreational boating industry and related businesses along the state’s shoreline
• CT Respiratory Society’s 2020“Legislative Champion”
• The Portland Air Line Trail Steering Committee for her legislative efforts to extend the Air Line Trail

Christie holds leadership roles with 2 national non-partisan legislative organizations.

Christie recently completed a 3-year term on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit that provides services to those with disabilities. She currently serves as a member of an institution-wide patient and family advisory committee at the local children’s hospital. She’s also a frequent volunteer with local organizations. In the past, she provided pro bono assistance for low-income families in need through the Legal Services School Expulsion Project and served on both the Cromwell Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Christie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also holds a law degree from Northeastern University. She has worked for large and small private corporations where she routinely navigates all aspects of the business world–from litigation and human resources, customer service and community involvement, to regulations and contract law. She has also taught as an adjunct Professor in a graduate level program.

Christie and her husband have two children. When not serving her constituents, Christie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and being outside.

Secretary Senator Jason Barrett

Senator Jason Barrett is a Republican representing West Virginia’s 16th Senate District, which includes Berkeley County. Born on July 16, 1982, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Barrett is a small business owner in the restaurant industry and a graduate of Shepherd University. He lives in Martinsburg with his wife, Summer, and their two children, Berkeley and Vandalia. Barrett began his political career in the West Virginia House of Delegates, serving District 61 from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2022. Originally elected as a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in December 2020 shortly after winning re-election. Since joining the Senate in December 2022, Barrett has focused on legislation related to tax reform, education funding, public safety, and economic development. He has also sponsored bills addressing gender-related medical treatments and the legalization of fixed-odds horse and dog racing. His committee assignments for the2023–2024sessioninclude Finance, Banking and Insurance, Energy, Government Organization (where he serves as Vice Chair), Pensions, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Barrett’s political trajectory and legislative priorities reflect a conservative approach aligned with West Virginia’s shifting political landscape.

Past President Founder Steve Geller

With over 20 years of serving his community, both in the State Legislature and on the County Commission, Steve has made significant contributions, focusing on critical areas like job creation, water management, affordable housing, and public safety. His advocacy for these issues has positively impacted Broward County residents.

As Chair of the Building Trade working group, Steve has spearheaded efforts to bring high-paying jobs to Broward County, addressing income inequality and boosting the local economy. He has also been a leader in water management, advocating for measures to combat sea-level rise and prevent flooding. Steve’s commitment to affordable housing and public safety further demonstrates his dedication to the well-being of Broward County residents. Additionally, he has championed arts and culture, advocating for increased funding and contributing to the establishment of a new Cultural Arts facility in his district, enriching our community’s cultural landscape.

Throughout his career, Steve has been a staunch advocate for children, including passing what at the time was the most aggressive Amusement Ride Safety Inspection program to save lives at amusement parks. He also passed the Senator Steven A. Geller Autism Treatment Act, which is the law that requires all Florida Large Group insurers provide coverage for treatment of children with autism.

Born in New York in 1958, Steve has called South Florida home for over half a century. He pursued his B.A. and law degree at Florida State University. Steve resides in Cooper City with his wife, Laurel, and together they have raised two grown children.

Commissioner Steve Geller’s passion for Broward County and his remarkable track record of public service make him a dedicated advocate for our community. As your Broward County Commissioner, he is committed to working tirelessly to improve the lives of Broward County’s residents.

Past President Representative Kevin Ryan

Representative Kevin Ryan is a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, serving the 139th District since 1993. His district includes Bozrah and parts of Montville and Norwich. With over three decades in office, Ryan is one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the state. He currently sits on the Appropriations, Environment, Public Health, and Regulations Review Committees, and has previously chaired the Labor and Public Employees Committee for eight years. His legislative priorities center on public health, education, and children’s welfare, including expanding Medicaid access for minors and supporting medical marijuana use for pediatric patients. Ryan played a key role in preserving Bozrah’s local heritage by opposing a proposed quarry development and has long advocated for school infrastructure improvements. Outside the legislature, he resides in Montville’s Oakdale section and holds degrees from Villanova University, the University of New Haven, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is an optometrist and adjunct physics professor, and has served as chair of the Montville Board of Education. His community involvement includes leadership roles with Rotary, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut, and the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. Ryan’s career reflects a deep commitment to public service and the well-being of Connecticut families.