Patrick Lambert has announced he will retire as executive director of the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission. Lambert has been the commission’s only executive director in its 22-year history. He helped draft numerous tribal laws dealing with gaming and also took part in state gaming compact negotiations.
Noting he intends to run for principal chief in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ upcoming elections, Lambert stated, “Over the past few weeks, I have been wrestling with making a decision on a very important question. And, out of respect to Council and all enrolled members, I wanted to come before you today and officially and publicly announce my decision” to retire from the gaming commission.
Commissioners Donald Rose, Bob Blankenship and Sheila Davis will begin the search process for a new executive director for the TGC, the tribe’s independent gaming regulatory authority.
