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The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced that Vice Chair Jean C. Hovland has resigned, effective immediately.
Hovland, a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, has served as Vice Chair since 2021. During her tenure, she helped oversee more than 500 Indian gaming operations and worked alongside fellow commissioners to uphold the integrity of the nearly $44 billion tribal gaming industry under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
“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 more than five years with the NIGC, Hovland championed tribal sovereignty, supported leadership development within the gaming sector, and worked to raise awareness and secure federal resources to combat human trafficking and other threats affecting 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 said. “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 praised Hovland’s contributions, saying her “steadfast commitment has had a lasting and meaningful impact on the Agency and Indian Country.” He highlighted her efforts to strengthen tribal sovereignty, advance regulatory excellence, and support tribal communities. “We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success as she returns home to South Dakota.”
Before joining the Commission, Hovland held several senior federal roles, including Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs at the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She also served for nearly 13 years as a tribal affairs advisor to U.S. Senator John Thune.
The NIGC said additional details regarding leadership succession will be announced at a later time. Sharon Avery will continue serving as associate commissioner.