Honoring Former Leadership
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling will always be grateful for the inspiration and commitment of our previous leadership. Today we continue this vital work in their honor.
Mary Drexler, MSW
Program Director, July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2025
Mary Drexler, MSW, served as the Program Director for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling for eight years. Under her leadership, the Center significantly expanded its reach and impact across the state, increasing funding from $1.6 million to $5.2 million and growing statewide awareness, education, and training programs for professionals and communities.
Mary brought more than 38 years of experience in the social services field to her role. Prior to joining the Center, she served as Responsible Gambling Program Coordinator for the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, where she managed the Voluntary Exclusion Program and promoted responsible gambling practices within Maryland’s gaming industry. Before moving to Maryland, she served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling for 10 years, overseeing prevention and intervention initiatives statewide. Mary holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut. She retired to spend more time with her family and grandchildren but continues to be recognized for her dedication, compassion, and leadership in the problem gambling field.
Lori Rugle (Ph.D., ICGC II, BACC)
Program Director, February 21, 2014 – June 30, 2017
During Lori Rugle’s leadership, The Center expanded the capacity of existing state Behavioral Health Care systems to identify and treat people who gamble problematically through the development and launch of the Maryland Disorder Gambling Integration Project (DiGIn). Lori’s leadership and insights as a skilled therapist and trainer motivated and inspired The Center’s staff and its strategic partners to elevate existing programs for public awareness, youth prevention, peer recovery support, public policy and education. Lori retired on June 30, 2017, to move closer to her family in Ohio; her wisdom and her smile will be missed.
In Memorium
The Center's successes rest firmly on the shoulders of those who dedicated their lives to make problem gambling services a reality. It is only from their vision and devoted efforts that we are able to do what we do today.
Joanna Franklin (MS, ICGS II)
Program Director, July 1, 2012 – October 4, 2013
Joanna Franklin (MS, NCGC II) became the Program Director of the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling in July, 2012, bringing with her many years of sharing her professional gambling expertise nationally and internationally, Unfortunately, Joanna passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2013. She will always be remembered for advocating for the problem gambler, their families and children.
Jeffrey M. Beck
Clinical Director for Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – October 2015 – March 2018
Jeffrey M. (Jeff) Beck passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018, and we here at the Center still feel his loss. During Jeff’s three plus years at the Center as Clinical Director, he demonstrated his compassion and knowledge about gambling disorder through presentations and trainings to clinicians and providers throughout the state. Jeff’s passion and commitment to recovery was boundless as evident in his work with Gamblers Anonymous and one-on-one-counseling. He was passionate about providing hope and help to those who were struggling with addiction. Jeff worked tirelessly here in Maryland providing valuable insight into “industry” trends to keep those who gamble safe and to help ensure resources for those who need help. He will be missed.