By Kevin Felix | August 24, 2007

The Poker Players’ Alliance (PPA) announced recently a change of leaders and location, to be in a better position to work towards legalizing online poker. The PPA will leave its San Francisco headquarters and move to Washington D.C. to be closer to the decision-makers and in a more central position to lobby for the poker cause.

Along with this change, Michael Bolcerek has stepped down as president of the PPA. The position has now been assumed by John Pappas, who has served as an outside consultant to the PPA since 2005. Former New York Senator Alfonse D’Amato continues to serve as Chairman of the PPA.

Senator D’Amato made a statement about these changes:

“This is an exciting time for the PPA and our members. The PPA has become an influential force fighting for the rights of poker players to enjoy this game of skill.There is wide support and momentum in the U.S. Congress to enact sensible legislation to regulate online poker and provide the necessary safeguards to all players.It is vital that the PPA centralize its efforts in D.C. so we can best serve the interests of our 660,000 plus members. […] Michael has been a strong leader and under his tenure we have seen tremendous growth in PPA.We are thankful that he has brought us to this point and are excited for the next evolution of this organization in Washington.”

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