For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mavis Harris
(202) 632-7003
The NIGC welcomes Associate Commissioner Jeannie Hovland
WASHINGTON, D.C. February 11, 2021 – The National Indian Gaming Commission is pleased to welcome Associate Commissioner Jeannie Hovland (Flandreau Santee Sioux), appointed to a three-year term on January 17, 2021.
“I am honored by my appointment to the Commission, a wonderfully hardworking and dedicated team,” said Hovland. “I look forward to collaborating with Chairman Simermeyer and Vice-Chair Isom-Clause as the Commission continues its important role to serve and protect the integrity of Indian gaming. I will continue my commitment of respecting tribal sovereignty and I look forward to visiting with tribal leaders to learn how I can best serve them in this role.”
Hovland enjoyed a rich and varied career serving Indian Country prior to joining the NIGC. Her extensive knowledge and experience in Indian Affairs includes her 13 years serving Native American communities in South Dakota as Tribal Affairs Advisor to Senator John Thune, where she counseled Senator Thune on important legislation such as the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008. From Senator Thune’s office, Hovland joined the Department of the Interior, where she served as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
Most recently, she served as Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans. There she oversaw a $57 million annual operating budget to promote self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. As Commissioner, Hovland administered discretionary grants to support social and economic development, Native language restoration and revitalization, and environmental regulatory enhancement. Hovland created the Social and Economic Development Strategies for Growing Organizations program, which provides funding to strengthen internal governance structures and build capacity for tribes and tribal organizations. She also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs at the Administration for Children and Families, a $58 billion operating division under the Department of Health and Human Services. While there, she provided expert and culturally appropriate advice to the Assistant Secretary on policies and strategies affecting Native Americans.
Hovland joins on the Commission Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer (Coharie) and Vice-Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause (Taos Pueblo). Together, the three-member Commission will continue to implement the Agency’s priorities and principles of strengthening Indian gaming’s regulatory structure as consistent with its responsibilities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
“I look forward to working with Associate Commissioner Hovland. Her clear commitment and dedication to strengthening tribal communities will be instrumental to her contributions at the NIGC,” said Chairman Simermeyer.
“Commissioner Hovland’s career path shows a commitment to Indian Country. I look forward to working with her in our shared mission to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments,” said Vice Chair Isom-Clause.
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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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