MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Gollott, Blount, Browning, Burton, Butler (38th), Dawkins, Dearing, Fillingane, Harden, Horhn, Jackson (32nd), Kirby, Mettetal, Michel, Ward

Senate Concurrent Resolution 511

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LARRY GREGORY FOR HIS EFFECTIVE SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MISSISSIPPI GAMING COMMISSION.

     WHEREAS, Larry Gregory recently announced his retirement as Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, a position he has held since December 2001.  Gregory is expected to begin his new position as Executive Director of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association, Inc. (MCOA) in September 2011; and

     WHEREAS, prior to this appointment, Gregory also held the positions of Deputy Executive Director from 1998-2001 and as Chief of Staff from 1996-1998.  Before working for the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Gregory served in other state government capacities, serving as Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Personnel Board, Secretary to the Mississippi Transportation Commission, and staff member to the Mississippi Legislature; and

     WHEREAS, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, he served four years in the United States Air Force.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from The University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.  He also received a Certificate of Paralegal Studies from Mississippi College; and

     WHEREAS, during his time at the Mississippi Gaming Commission, he has helped to regulate a $2.8 Billion industry, managing a staff of 145 who serve to regulate the industry within the state.  Gregory has helped to institute a strict but fair regulatory approach within the industry, modeling the state's free market approach of regulation behind that of Nevada.  A guest commentator and speaker to numerous media outlets, forums, conferences and civic clubs, Gregory attributes the success of the gaming industry within the state to solid regulation and a sound business approach.  Most recently, in the wake of devastating Hurricane Katrina, Larry Gregory has helped forward recovery and reconstruction efforts for the state's gaming industry, drafting regulations to redirect rebuilding along the Mississippi Gulf Coast; and

     WHEREAS, the International Masters of Gaming Law named Larry Gregory 2005 "Regulator of the Year"; and

     WHEREAS, Larry and his wife, Mollie, live in Jackson and are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church; and

     WHEREAS, Larry's professional and effective leadership has served the state well, and it is with great pride that we commend the skills of this dedicated public servant:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize Larry Gregory for his effective service to the State of Mississippi on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and extend our best wishes to him and his family.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Larry Gregory, forwarded to the Mississippi Casino Operators Association, Inc. (MCOA) and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.