Vice chair Jeannie Hovland departs after five years at the NIGC, which has oversight of more than 500 Indian gaming operations
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is seeking a new vice chair to succeed Jean Hovland, who has stepped down after five years in the role.
Hovland, a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, has served as vice chair since 2021 and helped lead the agency’s oversight of more than 500 Indian gaming operations.
“This was not an easy decision, but after much prayer and consideration, I have determined that it is time to return home to South Dakota,” said Hovland. “It’s been an honor to serve for over two decades in federal service, with eight of those years in Washington, D.C. I cannot think of a better agency to conclude my federal career with than the National Indian Gaming Commission.”
Over five years with NIGC, Hovland has been an advocate for protecting tribal sovereignty, promoting essential pathways to develop the next generation of gaming leaders, and elevating awareness and securing federal resources to combat human trafficking and other threats to tribal communities.
“I am inspired daily by the knowledge, expertise, and passion of the NIGC Team in upholding the agency’s mission and supporting the integrity of Tribal Gaming,” Hovland continued. “It has been a privilege to travel to Tribal Nations, meet with Tribal leaders and gaming regulators, and witness firsthand the resilience and positive impacts of tribal gaming.”
NIGC chief of staff Dustin Thomas commented: “Vice Chair Hovland’s steadfast commitment has had a lasting and meaningful impact on the Agency and Indian Country. Her commitment to strengthening tribal sovereignty, advancing regulatory excellence, and supporting the well-being of tribal communities reflects the very best of public service. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success as she returns home to South Dakota.”
Prior to her service with the Commission, Hovland held several senior federal leadership roles, including Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, where she oversaw social and economic development programs for Native communities.
She also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs at the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and was U.S. Senator John Thune’s tribal affairs advisor for nearly 13 years.