The California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of problem gambling within the State of California. Individuals are recognized due to their commitment and outstanding contribution to the issue of problem gambling in research, advocacy, fundraising, professional practice, policy making, training and/or voluntarism.
Our 2012-2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Marc Lefkowitz
Marc Lefkowitz is a recovering problem gambler with more than 29 years of personal abstinence. He is a Certified Problem Gambling Counselor, and is highly involved with a wide variety of gambling recovery and prevention programs.
Known by an astounding number of people throughout the country, Marc is a gifted public speaker who has worked as a teacher, trainer and advocate for problem gambling treatment and prevention for more than 20 years.
He has trained more than 350 problem gambling counselors and 75,000 casino employees. He has spoken to tens of thousands of people at conferences throughout the country. And he has taught or spoken to future alcohol and drug counselors at numerous colleges, including (but not limited to): UCLA, UCSD, Pierce College and Valley College.
Marc’s contributions go beyond his professional experience. He has served as a member of the board of directors of the California Council on Problem Gambling for nearly two decades and routinely donates his personal time (and often travel expense) to help and educate others in a variety and at a variety of events ranging from personal counseling and local support groups to speaking at public events or conference.
Past Recipients
- (2011) Dr. Durand “Dewey” Jacobs, Ph.D.
- (2010) Michael Cunningham, Director of California Alcohol and Drug Programs
Nominations
Nominations are accepted from the following sources:
- CCPG Board of Directors (selected from a list generated by Board members).
- The Office on Problem Gambling.
Eligibility Requirements
Experience includes one or more of the following; problem gambling research, authoring, issue avocation, state program administration, clinical practice, counseling, training, or volunteering.
- 20 years of service working with problem gamblers, their families or the community.
- An individual who reflects well on the issue of problem gambling through their example.
- Has had direct, positive impact on Problem Gambling in the State of California.
Selection
Candidates are evaluated in terms of overall contributions to the field of problem gambling in the State of California and are selected by vote of the Board of Directors of the CCPG.
Award Presentation
The award ceremony takes place annually during the OPG Summit.