Susan Jensen will replace longtime executive director Lee Acebedo as head of California Nations Indian Gaming Association, an organization that represents most of the Golden State’s gaming tribes.
Jensen has worked for the association for 18 years, including as its spokesperson, director of communications, director of member services and twice as interim director. She will take over from Acebedo in December.
Steve Stallings, chairman of CNIGA, hailed the incoming executive director: “Her knowledge and eighteen years of experience within the association gives her incredible insight on the history of our members and the association as we prepare to enter the next phase of tribal government gaming in the State.
Jensen said, “I am honored to have been selected for the position of executive director. I look forward to the challenge and welcome the opportunity to enhance the critical role that CNIGA plays in the tribal gaming industry.”
Stallings praised the work of Acebedo, who has headed CNIGA for nine years. “I would like to extend a deep thank you to Mr. Acebedo for his dedication to CNIGA and California’s tribal governments, his wisdom and guidance over the past decade has been invaluable.”
CNIGA represents 33 gaming tribes, making it the largest group of tribal governments in the state that engage in gaming. Every year it hosts the annual Western Indian Gaming Conference.
