President Obama's nominee for Chairman of the NIGC confirmed by Senate

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Apr 16, 2015, 03:24 ET

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri (Muscogee Creek), President Obama's nominee for Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), was confirmed by the Senate today. Chaudhuri is the ninth presidentially appointed and Senate-Confirmed Chair for the Indian gaming regulatory agency.

Jonodev Chaudhuri, President Obama's nominee for Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, testifies before the U.S. Senate on Indian Affairs Committee at his nomination hearing March 11, 2015. Chaudhuri was confirmed by the Senate April 16, 2015 as the ninth presidentially appointed and Senate-Confirmed Chair for the Indian gaming regulatory agency.

"I am humbled by President Obama's confidence in me and am honored by the Senate's confirmation," said Chaudhuri. "I am eager to continue the agency's work towards an efficient, well-functioning, and effective regulatory structure that protects the industry and promotes its integrity and health."

Chaudhuri has been serving as the Acting Chairman since October 2013 under an acting authority designation. Prior to his appointment to the NIGC, Chaudhuri served as Senior Counselor to the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, where he provided guidance and assistance on a wide range of national policy issues, including Indian gaming, economic development, energy, Alaska affairs, and tribal recognition.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. The Commission's dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $28 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

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SOURCE National Indian Gaming Commission