For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michael Odle
(202) 632-1599
Chairwoman Stevens announces Thomas as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Commission
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2013 - National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Tracie Stevens announced her selection of Christinia Thomas, member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Thomas will assist in the day-to-day management of the Commission operations, including finance, compliance and public affairs. In addition, Thomas will provide support in implementing the Commissions four initiatives of consultation and relationship building; training and technical assistance; regulatory review and agency operations review.
“Christinia will be a tremendous asset to our team and I am thrilled to have her here at the NIGC,” said Chairwoman Stevens. “She brings a wealth of experience and a great breadth of knowledge on Indian gaming.”
Thomas brings to NIGC over 20 years of gaming experience, which includes serving as Executive Director at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Gaming Regulatory Authority located in central Minnesota. Prior to joining the NIGC, Thomas served as the Command Center Operations Officer at Bismarck-Mandan Security, Inc. where she oversaw operations of the Tesoro Refinery Command Center.
“I am excited to join the NIGC and bring my expertise in management, gaming and compliance to the Agency,” said Thomas. “I look forward to supporting the NIGC as it strives to assist tribes and tribal regulators in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”
Thomas served on a Tribal Advisory Committee in 2012, which provided valuable insight and advice on proposed rules during the NIGC’s regulatory review.
“Her experience in working on proposed NIGC regulations will be a valuable asset to the Commission as it continues to implement newly adopted regulations and to review other regulations,” said Associate Commissioner Daniel Little.
The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 420 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 240 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $27 billion Indian gaming industry. Visit our website at www.nigc.gov.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
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