World Poker Association Announce Boardroom Shake-Up
June 17th, 2008
World Poker Association Board Chairman Wendeen Eolis has announced her resignation from the role following reports that she has been offered a role in the forthcoming U.S. presidential campaign. Jesse Jones, Chairman Emeritus, who is also the WPA Founder and former Board Chairman, has now been unanimously reinstated.
Eight board members elected two weeks ago, advocates of Eolis, have also relinquished their positions. Wendeen Eolis moved up from Vice Chairman to Chairman in February following Jesse Jones’ elevation to the newly-created position of Chairman Emeritus.
Wendy Eolis brought a long history of accomplishments to her new position. She is the CEO of Eolis International Group, a legal/business consultancy and also serves as Commander of Hope’s Champion Task Force (a post 9/11 disaster counselling program).
A long-time advisor to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Eolis later became a senior advisor to Governor George Pataki with responsibilities that included both private sector and tribal gaming issues. She has supported legalised gaming in New York State. Her poker resume includes election to the inaugural WPT Professional Poker Tour in 2004 and six cashes at the World Series of Poker, which has issued a commemorative chip in her honour.
"We thank Wendeen for her valuable contributions," said Jesse Jones. "Her resignation is warmly accepted and we wish her success in her new role."
"Discussions between outgoing board members and other key contacts within the poker community will now begin. Our primary goal is to invite additional talent to represent and advance the interests of poker players around the globe," he said.
"We have a unique opportunity to form a strong board with a united vision, to promote poker as a sport by advocating professionalism and uniform rules and standards of conduct, and help to create increased economic opportunities for players worldwide."
"We thank our members for their continued support and look forward to an exciting year in shaping the policies and practices of international poker," he added.
Jesse Jones founded the WPA in 2005 with a mission to promote poker as a sport by advocating professionalism and uniform rules and standards of conduct, and by helping to create increased economic opportunities for players. Mr. Jones’ goal is to have the WPA become the PGA of poker.
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