Compliance Director Dustin Thomas Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient
WASHINGTON, DC September 17, 2018 – National Indian Gaming Commission’s Compliance Director Dustin Thomas has been named as a 2018 winner of the Native American 40 Under 40 award. The award is bestowed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center), and awardees are nominated by members of their communities because they have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication in making significant contributions in their communities. The National Center is celebrating the 10th anniversary of these awards.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional teams and to learn from great leaders and industry experts; I hope to continue doing great work for Indian Country.” Said Dustin Thomas Compliance Director for the National Indian Gaming Commission
“All of us here at the NIGC are grateful for all that Mr. Thomas does for our team and all of Indian Country,” said NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri, “This Award recognizes young Native American and Alaska Native leaders and we are proud to see Dustin receive this prestigious award.”
Award winners will be honored at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 29-30. The event - "Impacting Generations: Honoring a Decade of Exceptional Service and Leadership" – will be held in conjunction with the National Center's next Native Edge Institute (NEI), a one-day training session focused specifically on procurement. Past and present 40 under 40 awardees will have the opportunity to participate in programming with the goal of providing additional professional development, networking, leadership, and mentorship opportunities.
“We are thrilled to recognize the impressive achievements of Dustin Thomas,” said Chris James, President, and CEO of the National Center. “Dustin joins a diverse group of young women and men cultivated from across American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Each of these individuals has devoted their skills and resources to enhance their communities. From business, academia, healthcare, tribal government, politics, non-profits, journalism, the law, finance, and marketing, 40 under 40 winners are shining examples for all of us to follow. For the 10th year in a row, it is an honor to recognize these individuals and leaders who will continue to define success for the future of Native American business."
Those interested in attending the 40 under 40 event can register by clicking here; 40 under 40 attendees have the option of attending the Native Edge Institute programming. Please visit the National Center's website at www.ncaied.org to learn more.
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The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 506 gaming establishments operated by 246 tribes across 29 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $32.4 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
953 East Juanita Avenue • Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 545-1298 ● (480) 545-4208 Fax ● www.ncaied.org
