Sharon M. Avery Named Acting Chair of National Indian Gaming Commission

Avery, who was recently appointed to a three-year term as associate commissioner, will concurrently serve both roles until a new chair is confirmed.

Authority and Responsibilities

As acting chair, Avery holds the same statutory authority as a Senate-confirmed appointee, enabling her to lead the agency and take official actions.

Her leadership will ensure the continuity of the NIGC’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities across the United States.

Expressing her commitment, Avery stated: “I am humbled the administration has entrusted me with the distinguished opportunity to serve as the NIGC acting chair. In this capacity, and to the best of my abilities, I will diligently execute my duties and responsibilities designated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to continue the agency’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities without disruption, until a permanent chair has been confirmed.”

Background and Experience

Sharon M. Avery is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and has been with the NIGC for over four years.

She has served as an associate general counsel in the NIGC Office of General Counsel. Prior to joining the NIGC, Avery spent more than a decade in the legal department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, most recently serving as the tribe’s general counsel for Tribal Operations.