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Williams named president of NCLGS
Al Williams
Al Williams

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) announced that State Rep. Al Williams has been named president at the NCLGS Summer Meeting held Friday, July 10 in San Diego.

Williams, who served as NCLGS president-elect since 2023, is a veteran lawmaker, civil rights leader, and respected voice on responsible governance.

He will lead NCLGS as it continues strengthening its role as the nation’s premier forum for informed, bipartisan education on gambling and gambling policy.

Williams brings more than two decades of legislative experience to his new role. First elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 2002, he has served on key committees including the Rural Development Council, Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Safety, the Special Subcommittee on State Prisons, the House Rules Committee, and committees focused on Economic Development and Tourism, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Game Fish and Parks, and Regulated Industries.

A Vietnam War veteran and lifelong civil rights advocate, Williams marched in the 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, and was jailed 17 times for his activism. His leadership extends beyond the legislature through roles with Fair Fight Action, the Liberty County Development Authority, and numerous civic and community organizations. NCLGS also announced the election of new officers who will serve alongside President Williams:

  • West Virginia State Senator Jason Barrett, 1st Vice President
  • Massachusetts State Representative Michael Finn, 2nd Vice President
  • Kansas State Representative Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, Secretary
  • Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora, Treasurer NCLGS Founder, general counsel and former Florida State Senator Steven Geller, and Immediate Past President, West Virginia Representative Shawn Fluharty, will serve as officers for the 2026-2027 annual period.

This bipartisan slate reflects the broad geographic and political diversity of NCLGS and underscores the organization’s commitment to balanced, transparent, and forward looking legislative dialogue.