Published
Land-BasedIndustry

Michael Hoenig departs as NIGC General Counsel

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced the departure of longtime General Counsel Michael Hoenig.

depart nigc
Listen To Article

Effective January 27, Hoenig will depart the agency to serve as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Gaming at the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Having joined NIGC in 2006, Hoenig took on several roles within the agency’s Office of General Counsel, including serving as the General Counsel for the last seven years.

In the role, he was key to helping tribes “facilitate defensible growth and protection of a vital industry for tribal governments' economies,” along with maintaining the public’s trust in the agency, the NIGC stated.

NIGC Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer commented: “Mike’s solution-driven approach helped to institutionalise a number of new practices in the General Counsel’s office.

“These improvements maximised the skills of legal staff and attorneys and have been important in attracting and building one of the best legal teams the agency has ever had.

“I am both excited for Mike as he pursues a new and well-deserved opportunity in Indian country. I will miss him as a leader, important contributor to advancing the NIGC mission, and a respected voice in much of the agency’s innovations in recent years.”

The agency’s longest-serving General Counsel, Hoenig led NIGC through various recent issues, including the pandemic, the expansion of sports betting and the emergence of new cyber threats, among others.

Simermeyer has now appointed Rea Cisneros as the acting General Counsel, with Esther Dittler to serve as an agency acting Associate General Counsel, joining Sharon Avery.

“It is with mixed emotions that I depart NIGC,” said Hoeing. “I am sincerely grateful to have been privileged enough to get to serve with the amazing staff to advance the mission and purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act – to protect Tribal gaming as one of the most important economic resources in Indian country. 

“I look forward to continuing that mission from a slightly different perspective in this new role with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.”

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Chicken Ranch Casino
The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA)
Catena Media
Gambling Commission
Follow Us
The most prestigious Awards in the industry are heading to the Philippines! The Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific will recognise and reward (as the name suggests) the strongest performers from the Asia-Pacific gaming industry across the previous 12 months.
This year's winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Day 2 of SiGMA Asia, 4th June, in Manila.
The eleventh annual Global Gaming Awards Americas will recognize and reward the gaming industry's strongest performers across the previous 12 months. These are the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry and have gained respect amongst industry heavyweights, due to the strict rules and procedures put in place.

Facing Facts: Operator Q3s from across the globe

Gambling Insider compares Q3 2023 results from major gamblin...

Taking Stock: Operators and suppliers across the world

Sticking with our theme of gambling across the globe, Gambli...

CEO Special: Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano - down to earth

Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano speaks to Gambl...

CEO Special: Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker - saying it as it is

Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker joins Gambling Insider Editor T...