CNIGA, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association has hired Carlos Valdez as its new deputy director of public affairs.
Valdez previously represented the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for more than a dozen years helping to develop public policy. He directed the tribe’s political program and ran political campaigns for candidates who fought for tribal sovereignty.
Before that he worked for Manning Selvage and Lee, a premier public relations firm. He began his career with the Englander Group in Los Angeles, where he worked on media relations, political campaigns and community affairs.
CNIGS Chairman Steve Stallings stated, “Mr. Valdez’s political and policy experience will bring a fresh perspective to CNIGA and its member tribes to make CNIGA a force in the Capitol as we enter the next phase of Tribal Government Gaming in the State of California.”
Longtime communications director Susan Jensen, who has been with CNIGA for 18 years, has been promoted to Deputy Director of Operations. CNIGA Executive Director Lee Acebedo stated, “Ms. Jensen has been a vital part of this organization for nearly two decades and will now focus on servicing members and taking the Western Indian Gaming Conference to the next level.”
