Kindbridge announces strategic board appointments

The appointees include Brianne Doura-Schawohl, founder and CEO of government relations and gambling policy consultancy firm Doura-Schawohl Consulting.

Doura-Schawohl recently held the role of vice-president of US policy and strategic development for Epic Risk Management. Before this she was the legislative director for the National Council on Problem Gambling.

“This is a very exciting opportunity to make a big impact on a space that has been calling out for support for years,” said Doura-Schawohl. “A telehealth solution that organises care and access that works with large-scale corporations and distribution partners to get the message out there about the necessity to manage mental health in the gambling space is a huge victory that is long overdue.”

Professional sports executive Eric Kussin has also been appointed to the board. In the last 20 years Kussin has held a variety of roles with the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.

After experiencing mental health issues and going through recovery Kussin launched “#SameHere”, the Global Mental Health Alliance, a non-profit organisation that aims to ignite conversation around mental health issues.

“Gambling addiction has largely gone unaddressed in US sport, and this is a chance to drive the conversation about the underlying mental health factors that can and often do lead to problem gambling,” said Kussin. “This conversation is needed now more than ever as the factors that impact mental health complications have been on the rise, and gambling which can temporarily soothe or even cover up one’s emotional pain, is more accessible than ever.”

Seth Young is an international gaming expert with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. He currently serves as the chief strategy officer at Fifth Street Gaming Digital and managing partner at gaming consultancy firm The Strategy Organisation.

“Kindbridge is a first-of-its-kind solution for the gaming space that offers real, tangible support and services to individuals that may be experiencing behavioural issues related to gambling, in addition to other tremendously credible mental health support initiatives on both an individualised and corporate level,” said Young. “It’s time there was a solid solution for this at scale in the US gaming market, and Kindbridge is paving the way.”

Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge, says the appointments come at a crucial time for the mental health landscape in the US, while sports betting is expanded throughout the country.

“This strategic expansion of the board offers an opportunity to provide high-quality mental health services for employees and patrons of sportsbooks, casinos, and associated businesses,” said Umfleet.

“Given the state of mental health in the US and the rapid expansion of legal sports betting, we have a unique opportunity to provide more screening and education, while simultaneously building a national network of care providers that understand the complexities of gambling disorder.”