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Acting Chairwoman
Sharon Avery
Sharon M. Avery is the Acting Chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). She was appointed by the President effective May 15, 2024. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently appointed Avery to a three-year term as Associate Commissioner, effective May 6, 2024. As such, she is responsible for regulating and ensuring the integrity of the more than 500 Indian gaming facilities, associated with over 250 tribes across 29 states. Avery joined the NIGC’s Office of General Counsel as an Associate General Counsel in January of 2020.
Prior to joining the NIGC, Avery served as General Counsel for Tribal Operations for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for 3 years. She also worked in the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan’s Legal Department for 7 years as a Senior Associate General Counsel and Associate General Counsel.
Avery graduated Cum Laude from Central Michigan University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2009 with a Juris Doctor degree and a certificate from the Indigenous Law & Policy Center.
Updated 5/15/2024
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of more than 500 gaming establishments operated by 250 tribes across 29 states.