Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne Swears In DesRosiers

Washington DC, March 15, 2007 — Today Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne swore in Norm DesRosiers as the newest Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).  The ceremony took place at the NIGC Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Chairman Hogen stated, “Norm

DesRosiers has significant experience including nine years of law enforcement and vast experiences in tribal gaming regulation which began in 1993 when he worked for the Fort McDowell Tribal Gaming Commission.  Hogen continued, “Norm has served as Commissioner of the Viejas Tribal Gaming Commission since 1998, and has been at the helm during tremendous growth at Viejas.  Norm’s experience will be an asset to the NIGC and I look forward serving with him on the Commission.”

Secretary Kempthorne stated, “Norm’s years of experience in shaping Tribal gaming regulations will be a major asset to National Indian Gaming Commission.  I believe he’ll make an outstanding contribution at the federal level to protecting the interests of Tribes engaged in tribal governmental gaming.”

Commissioner DesRosiers was hand-picked by Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne.  DesRosiers said, “I am truly honored and privileged to have been given this opportunity to join the National Indian Gaming Commission.  I hope to use my years of experience in regulating tribal gaming to make a positive

contribution in protecting the interests of the tribes.  It has been rewarding to help shape and influence state and federal regulations and legislation at the tribal level, I now look forward to contributing more at the federal level.”

Norm DesRosiers received a B.A. Degree in Law and Justice from Central Washington State University, in Ellesnburg, Washington.  Mr. DesRosiers serves on numerous gaming related boards and associations including the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGR) as Chairman of the Indian Gaming section.  He also serves as Chairman and former Vice Chairman of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators Organizations.  He is also an Associate Member of the International Masters of Gaming Law.

The NIGC is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

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