David Bean, a tribal councilmember of the Puyallup Tribe of Washington, has been named vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.
He was sworn in June 20 and will serve out the remainder of the term of the previous vice chairman, until elections in 2018, when he could run for reelection. He succeeded Kevin Leecy, who had to leave the post after he lost an election for chairman of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians.
Bean told the Tacoma Weekly, “I am almost without words. It was a surprise and is an incredible honor to be recognized in this way by the NIGA board.” Talking about his new role, Bean said, “Because casinos are a big part of tribes’ economic development, we need to be on the front lines of anything impacting that positively or negatively.”
The Association, which is based in Washington D.C. represents 184 gaming tribes. It lobbies legislators, and works with federal agencies; and provides educational, legislative the public policy resources to tribal leaders.
Bean said that whether he runs for reelection in 2018 will be decided by his tribal elders.
“For me traditionally, I would seek permission from my elders to run for that position. I’m happy to fill the role in the interim but going forward I would be talking to my elders in the community to do this full position,” he said.
NIGA Secretary Paulette Jordan commented, “Councilman Bean is the most exceptional leader I’ve had the privilege of working with. Whether it’s working with our U.S. president or local city officials, he is fighting for security and protection of the people.”
