Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards named Lieutenant Colonel Mike Noel of the Louisiana State Police as chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Noel will replace Ronnie Jones, recently ousted by state senators who refused to confirm his reappointment. Jones had held the position since August 2013.
Noel will retire from the police agency, where he has worked for more than 30 years. Most recently he was chief of staff State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves. Previously he worked for 17 years in the state police’s Gaming Enforcement Division on industry licensing and regulation.
“I look forward to building upon the success of Chairman Jones’ tenure by continuing to work with the board, elected officials, industry representatives and the public to promote economic development and ensure the integrity of gaming in Louisiana,” Noel said.
Jones and Edwards were caught off guard by the state senators’ refusal to reconfirm Jones. The decision was made in a closed-door executive session and no explanation was given. Individual members may block the confirmation of an appointee from their home districts; Jones lives in the New Orleans district of state Senator Karen Carter Peterson, chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party.
Edwards said Noel “brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and has served the state well during his tenure with state police, which is why I have no doubt he will do the same in this new role.”
Jones was also a retired state police official, long associated with oversight of the state’s gambling industry. He was appointed chairman of the board by former Governor Bobby Jindal and reappointed by Edwards.
