Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk recently appointed Paula Hart, a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York, to the position of director of the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming. Hart has served as the office's acting director since May 2008.

"I am pleased that Ms. Hart has accepted this opportunity to continue leading the Office of Indian Gaming," Echo Hawk said in a statement. "Her knowledge and experience in the field of tribal gaming make her a strong member of my team."

Hart first joined the Office of Indian Gaming in 1994 as a management analyst. With the office in its infancy, Hart had a hand in developing integral policies that are still in effect today. She rose the ranks, become a paralegal specialist, then deputy director, and now director.

"I am grateful to have been provided this leadership opportunity," Hart said. "I am looking forward to working with Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk to meet the goal of empowering tribal nations." 

By Staff