Former Obama Advisor Shailagh Murray and NFL Policy Strategist Jonathan Nabavi Join Leadership Team
FanDuel Group has made a decisive move to bolster its policy and regulatory engagement with the appointment of two seasoned political and legislative veterans. The company has named Shailagh Murray as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Jonathan Nabavi as Vice President of Federal Affairs, reflecting a deliberate shift toward more proactive engagement in shaping the future of regulated online gaming across the United States and Canada.
Murray Brings White House and Ivy League Gravitas
Shailagh Murray’s appointment is a significant win for FanDuel’s long-term strategy. With a career spanning elite journalism and high-stakes policymaking, Murray’s background includes stints at The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, covering major global and political developments. More notably, she served as Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, and Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director to then-Vice President Joe Biden.
Her most recent role as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Columbia University underscores her deep experience in institutional strategy and public discourse—skills that will now be redirected toward steering FanDuel’s narrative and positioning in a maturing gaming sector.
Nabavi Offers Deep Legislative Insight from Capitol Hill and the NFL
Joining Murray is Jonathan Nabavi, whose blend of legislative acumen and industry experience makes him a natural fit for FanDuel’s increasingly complex regulatory roadmap. Previously with the National Football League (NFL), Nabavi played a key role in advising the league on its public policy and sports betting strategy—critical expertise given the convergence of gaming and sports entertainment.
He also brings substantial Capitol Hill experience, having served as Majority Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee under Senator Chuck Grassley and as Counsel for the House Oversight Committee. His legislative background spans criminal justice, consumer protection, and federal oversight—critical areas as online gaming continues to draw regulatory scrutiny.
Strategic Vision for a Changing Gaming Landscape
FanDuel President Christian Genetski framed the appointments as a forward-looking investment: “As we look to the future, we understand the important role FanDuel must play in policy discussions that will address how we build and shape the online gaming industry over the long term.”
These hires underscore FanDuel’s commitment to playing a leadership role in public policy, particularly as governments at both federal and state levels explore stricter compliance standards, responsible gaming frameworks, and potential tax reforms.
A Broader Industry Trend
FanDuel’s executive reshuffle is also emblematic of a broader trend in the gambling and sports betting industry: the recognition that regulatory diplomacy and strategic public affairs are now essential components of business development. As competition intensifies and jurisdictions evolve, operators must not only comply—but also shape—the rules of the game.
With Murray and Nabavi onboard, FanDuel has positioned itself as a leading voice in the policy arena, one that’s ready to engage thoughtfully with lawmakers, regulators, and the public as the next chapter of online gaming unfolds.
