For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mary Parker
(202) 336-3470
NIGC Vice Chair Isom-Clause Appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
Washington, DC July 12, 2021 — The Department of Interior announced the appointment of Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs on July 9th, 2021.
Isom-Clause began her term with the NIGC on March 15, 2016. She was appointed by then U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.
Isom-Clause was an essential member of the Commission and spearheaded the agency’s focus on critical issues during her tenure. In particular, her dedication to and advocacy for Human Trafficking Awareness and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women brought awareness and training on these important social problems to the Indian gaming industry and beyond.
“During Kathryn’s tenure she was vital in developing partnerships and enhancing resources in the fight against human trafficking. She assisted in the creation of the first human trafficking bulletin, which highlights the opportunities for the regulatory community and the gaming industry to contribute to the development of innovative approaches and the promotion of many of the best practices that exist across the Indian gaming industry. Her impact within the agency will not end at her departure. The agency will continue to foster the partnerships formed and dedication to those initiatives, both through current and future projects. We wish her the best in her new appointment and are proud to be part of her journey in changing Indian Country for the better,” said Chairman Simermeyer.
“I am thrilled to see my colleague, Kathryn Isom-Clause, appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. I have been able to work closely with her over the last several months and I know she will be an asset to President Biden’s team and to Indian Country. I look forward to seeing her continued advocacy and passion for Native American communities in her new leadership role. I am grateful for the time I have had to work with Kathryn at the NIGC and I wish her my very best and much success,” said Commissioner Jeannie Hovland.
The agency is grateful for the contributions and time Kathryn devoted to the mission and wish her well in her continued service to Indian Country.
The National Indian Gaming Commission’s mission is to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming through effective regulation. Together with tribes and states, the NIGC regulates more than 527 gaming establishments operated by 251 tribes across 29 states. To learn more about our role and responsibilities, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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