The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced the appointment of Associate Commissioner Sharon M. Avery as the Acting Chair of the Agency, effective May 15, 2024.
News of the change follows her recent appointment by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to a three-year term as Associate Commissioner, starting May 6, 2024.
Avery will now simultaneously serve as both Associate Commissioner and Acting Chair until a new Chair, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is in place.
As Acting Chair, Avery will possess the same statutory authority to lead the Agency and perform official duties as a Senate-confirmed Chair.
Speaking of her new role, Avery said:
“I am humbled the administration has entrusted me with the distinguished opportunity to serve as the NIGC Acting Chair. In this capacity, and to the best of my abilities, I will diligently execute my duties and responsibilities designated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to continue the Agency’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities without disruption, until a permanent Chair has been confirmed.”
Avery is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. She has been with the NIGC for over four years, serving as an Associate General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel.
Prior to joining the NIGC, Avery spent more than a decade in the legal department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, most recently serving as the Tribe’s General Counsel for Tribal Operations.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) recently announced the appointment of a new Acting Chair, marking a significant change in leadership for the regulatory body that oversees tribal gaming operations in the United States. The appointment comes at a crucial time for the NIGC, as the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities for tribal nations.
The new Acting Chair, whose name has not yet been disclosed, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With a background in tribal law and policy, the Acting Chair is well-equipped to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of Indian gaming. Their appointment signals a commitment to upholding the integrity of tribal gaming operations and ensuring that tribes have a voice in shaping the future of the industry.
One of the key responsibilities of the NIGC is to regulate and oversee the operation of tribal gaming facilities, ensuring that they operate in compliance with federal law and regulations. This includes conducting audits, investigations, and enforcement actions to ensure that tribes are operating their gaming facilities in a fair and transparent manner. The Acting Chair will play a crucial role in overseeing these activities and working closely with tribal leaders to address any issues that may arise.
In addition to its regulatory responsibilities, the NIGC also plays a key role in promoting economic development and self-sufficiency for tribal nations through gaming. By providing tribes with the tools and resources they need to operate successful gaming facilities, the NIGC helps to create jobs, generate revenue, and improve the quality of life for tribal members. The new Acting Chair will be tasked with continuing this important work and supporting tribes in their efforts to build thriving gaming enterprises.
Overall, the appointment of a new Acting Chair at the NIGC represents an important milestone for the agency and for tribal gaming as a whole. With their leadership and expertise, the Acting Chair will help to ensure that tribal gaming operations continue to thrive and grow, benefiting not only tribal nations but also the broader communities in which they operate. As the industry continues to evolve, the NIGC will play a crucial role in shaping its future, and the new Acting Chair will be at the forefront of these efforts.
