Thomas Fennelly: Quiet Leader, Roaring Legacy

As founder of the Eastern Iowa Center for Problem Gambling, Inc., Thomas Fennelly wore many hats. A counselor, mentor, educator, expert and advocate, Fennelly had a dedication to his profession that rivaled many of his counterparts in the treatment community.

As the first in Iowa to become a nationally certified gambling counselor (NCGC), Fennelly made pioneering efforts in the treatment of disordered gambling in the state. Fennelly first saw the need to create a full-time treatment center in 1984 when Iowa legalized the lottery, bingo and charity raffles. Since that time, Iowa has set up 12 problem gambling treatment facilities, including the one founded by Fennelly, all funded by gambling tax revenue.

"As a result of his efforts, Tom provided better access for people troubled by problem gambling," said Frank Biagioli, executive officer at the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program. "He has done a tremendous service to Iowa."

The program at the Eastern Iowa Center was initially one of the most ambitious in the country. While traditional recovery counseling was a key element, Fennelly also incorporated treatment specifically geared for family members because he understood the total impact of the disorder. While today it is a more conventional approach, at the time it was considered a radical move, according to Jim Crouder, a counselor at the Eastern Iowa Center.

While some found Fennelly's approach radical, close colleagues regarded his treatment methods as compassionate and nonjudgmental. According to Crouder, Fennelly always respected his clients, the disorder and its effects, even during setbacks.

"People knew they could come to him if they had a relapse and wouldn't be scolded," recalls Crouder. "Tom would work patiently with them to address the problem and get them back on the right track."

Just as Fennelly was key in developing treatment programs for disordered gamblers, he also was instrumental in establishing educational programs for casino employees. When riverboat casinos opened in Iowa in 1991, Fennelly saw the need to further problem gambling awareness and prevention. He considered these programs an important step in that mission. By training all levels of the casino staff - from casino floor workers and security to housekeeping and valets - the program highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to this disorder.

"Tom did phenomenal work with the casinos in the area of problem gambling, even though it was a fairly new concept in the industry," Biagioli said.

Fennelly's impact on the treatment community was just as significant. He trained those studying to become nationally certified problem gambling counselors. For Crouder, a recovering problem gambler, Fennelly was a mentor, setting an example as a counselor and sponsor and motivating Crouder to obtain his national certification. Others in the profession considered Fennelly a sage.

"Tom was one person that everyone looked to for direction," said Margie Miller, a problem gambling counselor at the Allen Gambling Treatment Center in Waterloo, Iowa. "He was always in a leadership position. We all had a lot of respect for him."

Added Biagioli: "Tom was an excellent resource to bounce ideas off of; he always knew the right way to go."

The problem gambling treatment community felt a great loss in December when Fennelly, with 14 years of experience counseling disordered gamblers and their families, passed away. His ongoing compassion and commitment has distinguished him as a pioneer among his contemporaries, leaving behind a legacy of innovations in his field.

"He set the standard, and we will try to keep those same standards," Crouder said. "In doing this, we're doing our best to pay tribute to his work."