The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) has appointed Luis Del Orbe as its executive director, according to an announcement made by the Board of Directors on Tuesday. Del Orbe had been fulfilling the role of interim executive director since November.
Fred W. Hogan, President of the Board, commended Del Orbe for his commitment and motivation during his time with CCGNJ. "Luis joined CCGNJ seven years ago and over that time has steadfastly advanced our mission," Hogan stated. "We know as executive director he is prepared to guide the agency as we confront the many challenges we see arising in New Jersey’s evolving gambling landscape. Luis leads in the best way possible: By example."
Before stepping into the interim role last fall, Del Orbe served as CCGNJ's Prevention and Treatment administrator. He recently conducted presentations on problem gambling at town halls across northern and southern New Jersey. As part of preparations for Problem Gambling Awareness Month, he is organizing a symposium titled “The Hidden Epidemic: A Public Health Concern” scheduled for March 13 in Trenton.
One of Del Orbe's notable contributions to the council includes developing a curriculum for the Cognitive Perspective Restructuring (CPR) Program. This initiative comprises five sessions aimed at helping youth build resilience against risky behaviors and planning their futures, which has received positive feedback from school heads and teachers.
"I am honored by the faith the board has placed in me," said Del Orbe. "I feel blessed to work with the Council’s outstanding staff as we collectively address New Jersey’s increase in problem gambling, particularly the surge in youth betting. As we approach Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves to meeting this growing public health issue."
The CCGNJ is a private nonprofit organization that has been offering information, education, and treatment referral services related to gambling problems for over 40 years. The organization primarily aims to support problem and disordered gamblers and their families by recognizing that problem gambling is a treatable condition.
