The Poker Players Alliance announced significant changes to the non-profit organization this week on its website, though a formal announcement is still pending. The PPA is in the process of moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. where it hopes to be closer to the political center of the United States and have more of an impact on the laws affecting Internet poker. In addition, Michael Bolcerek, the long-time figurehead of the PPA, has stepped down as its president to pursue other opportunities where he lives in San Francisco with his family.

Bolcerek commented, “This is the right time for me to step aside as we move the PPA operations to Washington, D.C. I am happy to have helped the cause of American poker players and expect to see continued success from the efforts of Senator D’Amato and our new Executive Director, John Pappas.”

The Executive Director position of the PPA has been assumed by John Pappas, who has been an outside consultant to the PPA since 2005. His experience includes a four-year stint as the public affairs consultant for the Washington PR firm Dittus Communications where he served as a media and policy advisor, and a number of years as an advisor to Arizona Congressman John Shadegg where Pappas handled policy issues and served as the communications director and spokesperson. He has also worked on other congressional and state-wide political campaigns.

In his new position with the PPA, Pappas will be responsible for overall operations management, strategic initiatives, and membership communication, engagement, and recruitment.

Still Chairman of the PPA, Senator Alfonse D’Amato, said, “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 service the interests of our 660,000 plus members.”