History of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, founded in 1979, was organized in its present form in 1984. It is an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the national advocate for programs and services for problem gamblers and their families. In accordance with affiliation requirements, it takes no position on legalized gambling, but limits its activities to helping those affected by the gambling addiction.
Subsequent to the legalization of slot machine gambling in Delaware race tracks, the Council underwent a large expansion in 1996, due to the enabling legislation’s provision that a portion of the slots profits be set aside annually to provide assistance for problem gambling victims. Most of the Council’s funding comes from this fund in the form of a contract for services with the State of Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
The Council is a private, nonprofit health agency.
For a description of our services, please see Programs and Services.
Our Dedicated Staff
ELIZABETH B."LISA" PERTZOFF, NCAC,NCGC – Executive Director
Lisa has been active in addictions field for more than thirty years, and with the Gambling Council since 1984. She spends much of her time advocating for the Council’s mission at the public policy level. She is a member of the Delaware Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse and Mental Health. She is on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling and National Gambler Counselor Certification Board. Her goal is to overcome the stigma against addiction.
SUSAN EDGAR, Ph.D, R.N.,CADC – Deputy Director
Susan has worked in the addictions field for thirty years. She provided training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Bureau of Drug Abuse Programs. She trained staff at the Department of Welfare, PA Board of Probation and Parole, and the PA Dept. of Corrections. She has been a counselor/instructor for the Wilmington Dept. of Police since 1993. She has taught at Penn State University; Wilmington College; and Lincoln University. She is a published author in Adolescent Counselor, Counselor and Police journals.
BARBARA BARR-LODGE – Program Director
Barbara joined the council in 1987. Her responsibilities include: administrative oversight and supervision of the 24-hour Helpline, and promoting Helpline services in the community. She is coordinator of treatment services, and volunteer services. She is responsible for the developing the Council’s professional training program offered through the Council in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Substance and Mental Health, Department of Health and Social Services.
SACHIN KARNIK – Ph.D, LCSW – Director of Prevention and Special Projects
Sachin has worked with adolescents and families for over 10 years, performing clinical interventions through the state of Delaware. He taught clinical psychopathology as an adjunct professor at DE State University. As the prevention director, he is responsible for the development and implementation of youth problem gambling services. He works closely with D.O.E., U of D, and other youth centered groups.
STEVE GONZER – Part-time Outreach (Kent & Sussex Counties)
Steve has more than twenty years experience in the field of education & training. Much of his career has centered around at-risk-youth and providing alternative education/employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged adults. He has been involved in various community and civic activities, including more than twenty years with individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction. He is responsible for enhancing the council’s presence and increasing public awareness about the council’s services in Kent and Sussex counties.
DAVID WARNER – Bookkeeper
David is responsible for managing payments, payroll, and employee timesheets.
GERALD (JERRY) TIANO -Information Management Consultant
Jerry has installed and customized for our agency, a new database to organize the data of Helpline calls. He continues to regularly tailor it to meet our needs.
JUDY MCCORMICK – Director of Youth Prevention Services
Judy currently works for DCGP as the Director of Prevention Services for Youth. She worked for DCGP as a contractor conducting tabletop and in-class presentations in Delaware high schools for almost two years prior to her recent appointment.
Although she was certified to teach English in secondary schools when she graduated from college, Judy has worked in a wide variety of positions.
Her work in the past 12 years has been predominantly in wellness and prevention, including working for St. Francis Hospital and for the Chrysler Newark Assembly Plant
as their Wellness Coordinator.
CHARLES SYGOWSKI- Director of Office Administration
Charles has a BS in Economics and has worked in retail sales, customer service and banking for approximately 20 years. He has managed sales teams, departments and inventory. For the last 6 years he has worked in the banking industry, originating and processing loans and helping to ensure the files are compliant with State and Federal regulations. Charles brings excellent managerial experience and a highly developed organizational skill set to the daily workings of the Council.
Board of Directors
2010
Vince D’Anna,President
Arlene Simon, Vice President
Elizabeth B. Pertzoff, Secretary
John J. Friedman, Treasurer
Mark C-B Brunswick
Robert W. Frelick M.D.FAC
James Tate
Richard Korn
Jerry Tiano
Ravon H. (Harry) Gardner
Robert A. Walton
