The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced the resignation of its chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer.
Effective Feb. 24, this news brings to an end Simermeyer’s nine-year association with the NIGC, during which he served initially as associate commissioner and director of the Office of Self-Regulation before being confirmed as chairman in 2019.
It is noted that Simermeyer was responsible for leading the agency through the challenges of the Covid-19 global pandemic and set regulatory conditions for the post-pandemic recovery, during which Indian gaming gross revenue rose to a record $40.9 billion in 2023.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand how tribes across the Indian gaming industry have pursued economic sustainability through gaming by relying on – and cultivating – the robust regulatory reputation for which Indian gaming is well known, and made better when supported by effective and efficient measures by Indian gaming’s regulators. I’m proud of the integral part this Agency has played in meeting the challenges of an evolving industry.” said Simermeyer, reflecting on his time at the agency.
According to the NIGC, other highlights of his time at the organization include leading the modernization of its IT security system and the transformation of its Criminal Justice Information System to better align with FBI requirements.
“My time with NIGC has been some of the most memorable and impactful years of my career. As a Native person, I’m truly blessed to have been surrounded by experts dedicated to protecting and preserving the valuable resource Indian gaming represents for our communities. I’m thankful for the advice and counsel of my fellow commissioners and NIGC staff, and the support and hard work of the nearly 5,000 tribal regulators who work alongside NIGC day-in and day-out to keep Indian gaming strong now, and for the next 35 years,” added Simermeyer.
NIGC has confirmed that additional details on the transition will be forthcoming.
