Mary Beth Thomas is the first executive director of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council.

She was appointed on November 1, 2021, by the Sports Wagering Council, a nine-member body appointed equally from the three grand divisions of the state by the governor, lieutenant governor and Speaker of the House. Prior to becoming executive director, Thomas served as general counsel to the Tennessee Secretary of State for eight years.

During her time as general counsel, she drafted comprehensive regulations for the implementation of the Fantasy Sports Act of 2016 within the Department of State, was responsible for the immediate implementation of the Act upon becoming law, and oversaw licensure, regulation, and audit of seven national fantasy sports operators. She also spent eight years in private practice as a litigator for Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis in Nashville (now Holland & Knight).

Thomas attended college at the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a bachelor of science degree with a major in finance, summa cum laude. She earned a Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Thomas is a native Nashvillian, where she graduated from the Harpeth Hall School.

She serves as a board member for the Nashville Sports Council and the Sports Betting Regulators Association. She is also a member of the International Masters of Gaming Lawyers, the North American Gaming Regulators Association and the Tennessee Bar Association. Outside of work she is heavily involved in her community, including serving in numerous volunteer roles with her church and her children’s schools.