Governor Wes Moore has appointed Jeremy Baker to serve as Acting Director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency beginning August 19, 2026. Baker will succeed John Martin, who has led the agency for 6 years and will remain as a senior adviser until his retirement at the end of the year. Baker’s permanent appointment will require confirmation by the Maryland Senate during the 2027 legislative session.
Baker has served as the Moore-Miller Administration’s chief legislative officer since 2024, guiding the Administration through two legislative sessions. Before joining the Governor’s Office, he spent more than 12 years in leadership positions within the Maryland House of Delegates, including serving as chief of staff to House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones from 2022 to 2024.
In accepting the new role, Baker emphasized the importance of responsible gaming in supporting Maryland’s priorities. “Responsible gaming is key to our continued investment in education and economic development,” Baker said. Governor Moore thanked Baker for his dedication to Marylanders and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.
Will Tilburg will succeed Baker as the Administration’s chief legislative officer, also effective August 19. Tilburg currently serves as vice president of government and regulatory affairs at the University of Maryland Medical System. He previously led the Maryland Cannabis Administration and helped establish the agency while overseeing implementation of the state’s billion-dollar cannabis industry. Tilburg said he looks forward to working with public, private, and nonprofit partners to strengthen communities and help build a more prosperous and resilient Maryland.
