The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has named Maisha Moore as interim executive director as the city looks to boost growth in what's traditionally been the nation's second-biggest gaming center.
Moore, who had been serving as deputy executive director for the agency, succeeds Sean Pattwell, who last fall said he planned to leave at the end of the year. Pattwell had been appointed head of the authority in March 2022.
In her new role, Moore will continue to work to fulfill the authority's statutory mandate of focusing on and investing in the revitalization and development of the East Coast gambling mecca of Atlantic City, expanding its economic opportunities and committing resources to the local community.
Moore joined the CRDA in April 2022, and as its deputy executive director and managed its community development grants and sponsorships process. She serves on the Visit Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore Partnership boards.
Prior to joining CRDA, Moore worked for the city of Atlantic City as the former mayor’s chief of staff. In that position she directed the day-to-day operations of the mayor's office and collaborated and guided City Hall department processes and functions. Moore also collaborated with stakeholders within the state "to bring new direction and opportunities to the city," according to CRDA.
Prior to working for Atlantic City, Moore wrote grants for nonprofit groups, and worked in U.S. Sen. Cory Booker's office focusing on the federal government's uniformed services, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Corrections, Internal Revenue Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency, CRDA said.
CRDA said it has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for improving the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City.
CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean-and-safe initiatives. The authority also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs.