New vice chairman and Treasurer elected as Indian Gaming Association begins new era after passing of long-serving chairman Ernie Stevens Jr last year
The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) has announced the election of new officers to its board of directors, with Tehassi Hill elected vice chairman and Michell Hicks elected treasurer.
Hill is currently serving his third term as chairman of the Oneida Nation, while Hicks is serving his fourth term as Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Both will serve two-year terms representing tribal governments across Indian Country.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the new vice chairman emphasized the importance of unity and continued progress across Indian Country.
“We must stay focused on the challenges ahead while continuing to share the story of our success,” said Hill. “It is critical that we stand together and build unity as a strong force for our tribal nations. I will work diligently to serve all of you and ensure we continue moving forward in a sustainable and responsible way for our communities.”
Treasurer Hicks echoed that commitment, highlighting the responsibility ahead and the urgency of protecting tribal interests.
“I am appreciative of the support, and I promise to work hard,” said Hicks. “There are many challenges in front of us, including the expansion of illegal markets that threaten our industry. Addressing these issues will take strategy, resources, and a unified effort, and I am committed to that work alongside all of you.”
IGA chairman David Bean welcomed the newly elected officers and underscored the importance of their leadership at a pivotal moment for tribal government gaming.
“Today’s election reflects the strength of our tribal leadership and the unity of our membership,” said Bean, who was formally appointed chairman at the end of October. “Vice chairman Hill and Treasurer Hicks bring the experience, integrity, and commitment needed to help guide this organization forward. As we face serious challenges, including illegal prediction market activity and federal overreach, we are strengthening our leadership team to protect tribal sovereignty and the future of Indian gaming.
“We move forward together, carrying the responsibility to protect what our ancestors built and to ensure that tribal government gaming continues to serve our people for generations to come.”
The announcement was made at last week’s 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, where tribal leaders from across Indian Country honored the legacy of former chairman Ernie Stevens Jr, who passed away last September.
“There will never be another Ernie Stevens, Jr.,” said Bean. “I cannot fill his shoes. I can only walk in his footsteps, just as he walked in the footsteps of our elders and ancestors.”
Following the tribute, chairman Bean delivered the IGA State of the Industry Address, outlining both the strength of tribal government gaming and the urgent challenges ahead.
“In the face of uncertainty in Washington, D.C. and economic headwinds, the state of Indian gaming remains strong and resilient,” he said. “Indian gaming continues to grow because it is rooted in our sovereignty and our responsibility to our people.”
Indian gaming revenues reached approximately $46 billion in 2025, continuing a steady upward trajectory for the industry. When including hospitality, entertainment, and related economic activity, tribal gaming now represents a $52 billion economic engine supporting more than 680,000 jobs for tribal citizens and local economies.
“Indian gaming has always been about more than revenue,” Bean continued. “It is about jobs, it is about opportunity, and it is about taking care of our people, our elders, and our future generations.”
At the IGA’s annual Board meeting last week, a formal resolution was adopted opposing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) efforts to regulate “event contracts”, including sports-related prediction markets.
The resolution underscores IGA’s position that these activities constitute gambling and fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of tribal and state governments.
“These so-called prediction markets are an attempt to bypass tribal authority and recast gambling as a financial product,” said Bean. “We will not allow that. We will stand united to defend tribal sovereignty and the integrity of Indian gaming.”
The resolution calls on Congress to clarify that sports contracts are gambling activities regulated by tribes and states, and urges tribal governments nationwide to submit formal comments opposing the CFTC’s proposed rulemaking ahead of the April 30 deadline.