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Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 1-800-GAMBLER or Text: 800-GAM or Online Chat at 1800GAMBLERCHAT.org

Staff and Volunteers

Carol O’Hare
Executive Director

Carol O’Hare has 27 years’ professional experience in the problem gambling field and 30 years of long term recovery from gambling addiction. As Executive Director of the Council since 1996, Carol has successfully developed and implemented programs and services to support the Council’s mission of awareness, education, and advocacy, and has contributed to the development of industry responsible gaming initiatives at the state and national level, along with groundbreaking public policy to reduce the impact of problem gambling in Nevada.

Carol has authored and co-authored numerous articles and resource publications on problem gambling issues and is recognized as an expert advisor, accomplished public speaker, dedicated advocate and respected leader in the problem gambling field. In 2014, the National Council on Problem Gambling presented Carol with their prestigious ‘Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Achievement Award for Advocacy’ recognizing her for more than 20 years of exceptional service on behalf of problem gamblers and their families.

Carol serves as the public spokesperson for the Council and engages with key stakeholders at the local, state and national level on all issues related to problem gambling.

“A passionate plea can get people’s attention, but it takes a voice of reason to effect real change.”
- Carol O’Hare

Ted Hartwell
Community Engagement Liaison

Ted Hartwell is a recovering compulsive gambler committed to spreading awareness of problem gambling to the people of Nevada. In his professional role with the Council, Ted provides community engagement and project development services to support successful implementation of problem gambling awareness and prevention programs throughout Nevada.

As a member of the Leadership Team for the Council’s Gambling Awareness Prevention Partnership (GAPP), Ted works with Council staff and community stakeholders to identify priorities for collaborative projects to promote community awareness and prevention of problem gambling in Nevada, including the Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March, and Speakers Bureau activities throughout the year.

In 2013, Ted was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve on the Nevada State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling, where he currently continues to serve. In 2014 he received the prestigious Shannon L. Bybee Award for Advocacy, presented by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling for his many volunteer efforts with the Council, the Problem Gambling Center and Lanie’s Hope.


Nann Meador
Operations Manager

Nann Meador is a 32-year resident of Southern Nevada with over 27 years’ professional experience in executive management and administration.  Since joining the Council in 2016, Nann has increased organizational efficiencies and contributed new ideas and energy to the team as a person in long term recovery.  Her compassion for individuals and families impacted by addiction, particularly those struggling with addiction-related legal issues, adds important perspective to her work in support of the Council’s mission and vision.

Nann is responsible for all program accounting, inventory and database management, contracting, grant documentation and reporting, and support staff training and supervision.  She is the contact person and outreach coordinator for NCPG’s free book distribution program which has placed over 200 problem gambling books and publications in 32 libraries in 12 Nevada counties, including 5 state and federal prisons, since 2015.  Nann is also a valued member of the Council’s GAPP leadership team, providing management oversight for Problem Gambling Awareness Month activities and other collaborative events.

Having raised her 6 children to adulthood, Nann now enjoys hosting family holiday meals, her grandchildren’s weekend sleepovers, and watching their Little League ballgames.  Nann is active in her church and recovery community where she shares her personal experience to benefit others in their recovery journey.


Aaron Thompson
Program Manager

Aaron Thompson is a 35-year resident of Southern Nevada with over 15 years’ experience in project management, operations, compliance, and team leadership. In addition to his professional qualifications, Aaron’s creative talent and technical skills make him a highly qualified and effective coordinator for the diverse projects and activities of NCPG Prevention Initiative.  Aaron also understands the impact of addiction firsthand, having grown up in a household with family members who struggled with problem gambling and substance use disorders.

Aaron is the primary program contact, responsible for implementation of community outreach and prevention activities, including event planning and coordination, marketing and communications, design and production of program materials, flyers, brochures, pamphlets, and booth displays.  He coordinates development and promotion of social media messaging, video production and editing, digital media design, and provides technical support for digital meeting and presentation platforms. Aaron assists with website management, program evaluation and outcome reporting.

Aaron’s core values are honor, integrity, and quality craftsmanship in both his personal and professional life.  In his spare time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, working out, hiking and woodworking.


Liz Evans
Program Coordinator

Liz Evans is a 25 year resident of Southern Nevada.  Liz has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Services/Management with over 15 years’ professional and volunteer experience in healthcare, education, and property management. In April 2019, Liz joined the Council team as Program Specialist to support effective planning and implementation of programs to support the Council’s mission and vision.  Liz brings not only administrative experience to her work, but also her lived experience as a person in recovery from addiction.

As Program Specialist, Liz is responsible for daily administrative support including phones, mail, and email requests for information; packaging and shipping of parcels; document and file preparation; maintaining and updating calendars, program records and tracking logs. Liz engages with the public in community events and represents the Council in stakeholder group meetings such as the Care Coalition and Las Vegas Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.