US Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland appointed Sharon Avery and Jeannie Hovland as Associate Commissioners of the National Indian Gaming Commission, the DOI announced on its website March 25.
The commission has a three-person board. The chairman is appointed by the US President and the two associate members by the Secretary. Commissioners serve for three years.
Haaland said, “Today’s appointments to the National Indian Gaming Commission will help ensure we continue to provide resources and support for an industry that remains one of the most significant sources of economic development in Indian Country.”
Sharon Avery is a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. She is currently associate general counsel for the NIGC Office of General Counsel. Avery also worked in the Legal Department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for 10 years.
Jeannie Hovland is an enrolled member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota and serves as vice chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Prior to joining the Commission Hovland was Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services and worked in the office of Senator John Thune of South Dakota.
The appointments become official after a 30-day public comment period.
