The National Indian Gaming Commission has announced that Michael Hoenig will resign as General Counsel effective January 27.
Hoenig, a member of the NIGC, has served in many roles within the Agency Office of General Counsel. He was the agency’s longest-serving General Counsel over the past seven years.
Hoenig resigns from the commission to be the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians new Vice president and Associate General Counsel for Gaming.
Rea Zisneros has been named acting General Counsel. Esther Dittler Six Nations – Mohawk will be acting Associate General Counsel for Agency, joining Sharon Avery.
“Mike’s solution-driven approach helped institutionalize a number new practices in General Counsel’s Office,” stated E Sequoyah SIMERMEY, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission.
“These improvements increased the skills of legal staff, attorneys, and were important in attracting and building one the best legal teams that the Agency ever had.”
Simermeyer said: “I am both thrilled for Mike as he pursues an opportunity in Indian Country. He was a leader, a valuable contributor to the NIGC mission and a respected voice in many of Agency’s recent innovations. I will miss him.
The NIGC stated that Hoenig was a key figure in the agency’s management during crucial points in tribal gaming history, such as the pandemic and expansion of sports betting. Compliance issues and the emergence and use of technology threats were also highlighted by the agency.
Hoenig said on his departure that he was leaving NIGC “with mixed emotions.” I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible staff in order to further the mission and purposes the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act – which protects Tribal gaming as one the most important economic resources of Indian country.
“I look forward in continuing that mission with a slightly different perspective in my new role as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.”
