Lisa Wardall, Executive Director

Lisa Wardall joined the California Gambling Control Commission (Commission) on May 1, 2024, as the Executive Director.

Lisa has extensive experience working with the gaming industry. Prior to joining the Commission, Lisa served as the Assistant Director for the Department of Justice's (DOJ), Bureau of Gambling Control (Bureau) from October 2022 through April 2024, where she managed the Licensing Branch, developing policies and procedures related to the effective regulation of controlled gambling in California. In 2023 Lisa was a voting member of the Commission's Gaming Policy Advisory Committee. In addition, from 2014 to 2019 Lisa was a Senior Manager with the Bureau's Licensing Branch. During this time, Lisa directed the Third-Party Provider of Proposition Player Services Section, the Intake Unit, the Game Review Unit, the Tribal Key Employee Unit, and the Tribal Vendor Unit. Lisa directly oversaw the completion of background investigations for a multitude of license types.

Lisa's prior positions at the DOJ include experience in the Division of Law Enforcement's (Division) Office of the Chief, as a Staff Services Manager III overseeing all administrative functions including the Division's multi-funded $203 million budget. Lisa also worked for the Division's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) where she supported various statewide programs, including the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program, Special Operations, and Task Force Programs, managed the BNE's multi-funded $53 million budget, and provided administrative support to BNE staff statewide.