WASHINGTON – The vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission has completed his term after serving during what he said was the most contentious period in the regulatory agency’s history.

Norman H. DesRosiers began his three-year term with NIGC Jan. 29. 2007, and left his post Jan. 28, 2010. He has taken a position with the San Manuel Band of Serrano Indians’ gaming authority in California.

Steffani A. Cochran, meanwhile, began her three-year term as a new commissioner just weeks before DesRosiers left.

DesRosiers brought more than 15 years of experience in tribal gaming to his tenure on the commission, a regulatory agency within the Department of the Interior that was established under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to oversee certain aspects of tribal gaming operations.

He provided essential input on most major issues facing the commission during his term. He was responsible for numerous initiatives carried out by the NIGC including the development and implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act requirements. He also served on the Minimum Internal Control Standards Advisory Committee.


 
Steffani A. Cochran began her three-year term as commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission Jan. 4.
 
“I do feel I left the commission in a good place.”

DesRosiers said former NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen, who retired last fall, included him in much of the administrative work of the agency.

“He gave a great deal of deference to many of my opinions and recommendations, which I was very appreciative of.”

He also praised the “incredible staff that supports the NIGC.”

Ironically, a controversy over Class II regulations provided both the best and most challenging parts of DesRosiers’ tenure.

“The high point would be that we finally were able to establish some technical standards for Class II gaming systems and that was a win-win, I think, for everyone – for the manufacturers, the tribal operators, the tribes, the test labs and the public that plays the games.”

The controversy revolved around NIGC’s proposed new definitions and classifications that tribal gaming officials, machine manufacturers and others in the gaming industry said would have re-categorized Class II machines – bingo, lotto, pull tabs and others – as Class III machines, and put them out of business. The proposed definitions and classifications were withdrawn while new technical standards and Minimum Internal Controls were issued that clarify Class II machines.

“I think that was needed although we had some bumps along the road, I think it’s proven to be helpful to all the stakeholders in Class II gaming, so I’m happy we accomplished that. And, of course, the low point was that part of the effort made some contentious discussions over the years – probably the most contentious period that I can recall in NIGC history,” DesRosiers said.

On Jan. 4, barely a month before DesRosiers left, Cochran joined the commission, filling a position that had been vacant for two years.

Cochran was nominated for the position by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar last October.

She is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma; she received her Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University, her master’s in public administration from George Mason University, and her Juris Doctorate from American University.

She has served in high-level positions throughout Indian country for more than a decade, including special counsel for Indian Affairs in the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and general counsel for the Pueblo of Pojoaque.

Cochran is eager to begin her role in the regulation of Indian gaming and to promote the integrity of the growing industry.

“My career as a public servant has included work for tribal and state governments, so this will be my first opportunity to serve the federal government. Gaming is unquestionably a vital component of tribal economies, which is one reason that I am so excited about this opportunity.”

But, with interim Chairman George Skibine at the helm, the three-member panel is still one commissioner short.

The chairman is nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Two commissioners are appointed by the Interior secretary.

DesRosiers, who served two of his three-year tenure without a third member, said the lack of a third member can be difficult.

“The full commission is an appellate board if someone wants to appeal any sanctions the chairman might impose. Of course, it only takes two for a quorum so we were able to continue conducting business, but if the chairman and the commissioner disagree then the chairman’s opinion prevails. But in fairness to Chairman Hogen he did reverse himself once or twice, so he is a very objective and fair man. Yes, it’s a bit of a challenge with only two out of three commissioners.”

DesRosiers said he is “anxious” to see some new leadership appointed to the commission.

“Of course, I’m sure so is George Skibine.”

Skibine, the principal deputy assistant secretary of Indian Affairs, was appointed NIGC interim chairman by President Barack Obama last fall and began the job in early October. An interim chairman can only remain in place for around seven months, so the White House is likely to announce a new appointee by April.

Government officials could not be reached for comment about the prospects for a third commissioner during the week of Feb. 8 when a snow storm shut down the Capitol.