New leader of NIGC might bring in a new general counsel

Friday, April 30, 2010  

Gambling Compliance speculates that the new chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission might bring in a new general counsel.

Penny Coleman, a non-Indian attorney, has held the post since the end of the Clinton administration. The Bush administration kept her in the job in an "acting" capacity.

Coleman's predecessor was Indian. Tribes have been pushing the NIGC to adopt an Indian preference policy and the agency recently sent a letter to tribes to ask them about hiring practices.

Only 25 to 27 percent of NIGC's employees are Indian, Gambling Complianc reported. At the Bureau of Indian Affairs, more than 90 percent are Indian.

Tracie Stevens, a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, has been nominated to serve as chair of the NIGC. The position requires Senate confirmation.

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Non-Lawyer Nominated to Regulate Indian Gaming (Gambling Compliance 4/30)
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White House Announcement:
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts (White House 4/28)

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