For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michael Odle
(202) 632-7003
NIGC names Michael Odle as Director of Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2013 - National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Tracie Stevens announced today the selection of Michael Odle as the Director of Public Affairs. Odle will oversee the Commission’s strategic communication programs encompassing media relations, internal information and congressional and legislative affairs for the Agency.
“Mike brings strong public affairs skills coupled with experience working on the hill,” said Chairwoman Stevens. “He is committed to increasing the Commission’s methods of communication delivery to tribes, tribal regulators and Congress, and I am delighted to have him join our team.”
Odle most recently served as the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, where he worked on issues related to the department’s tribal sacred sites policy and oversight of the U.S. Forest Service.
“I have tailored my career toward strong relationships and clear and honest communication,” said Odle. “I am fortunate to be joining an agency and working with people dedicated to ensuring the integrity of an industry pivotal to Indian country.”
Odle joined the federal government in 2003. A native of Seattle, Odle received his B.S. degree in hospitality and tourism with an emphasis in marketing and planning from Black Hills State University, S.D., and his Master’s degree in international management from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Odle is also a commissioned officer with the 113th Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, District of Columbia Air National Guard, where he serves as the Chief of Public Affairs.
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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