You could say that the National Indian Gaming Commission is finally operating with a full deck. Or at least with all three of its required commissioners, as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
The commission hasn’t had all three commissioners for more than three years, and for a while in 2015 was down to just one, the chairman, Jonodev Chaudhuri, who was appointed by President Obama last year. The chairman is the only member of the commission requiring appointment by the president and approval by the Senate.
Last week Kathryn Isom-Clause of the Taos Pueblo joined the commission, appointed by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.
Jewell, announcing the appointment, said, “Kathryn is a highly qualified professional with extensive experience in a wide range of American Indian issues at both the tribal and national levels,” adding, “Her dedication and expertise will serve the commission well as it works to uphold the highest ethical standards while helping tribes generate economic opportunities for their communities.”
Isom-Clause said, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Commission and to be a part of its amazing and dedicated team.”
The second member of the panel, E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, joined in November.
Commissioners served three-year terms. They oversee the $28.5 billion tribal casino industry.
