NIGC Taps Security Director at Turning Stone

to be Enforcement Director

Washington DC, July 23, 2007 — Today, National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Phil Hogen announced the selection of Cesar Valdez Jr. to become the new Director of Enforcement.  Mr. Valdez has served as Director of Security at the Oneida Tribe of New York’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino since September of 2005.

Hogen said “We had several well-qualified candidates for the position, which made for a difficult decision.  Cesar brings a broad background that includes Director of Enforcement of the Pennsylvania Horse and Harness Racing Commission.”  He continued “We look forward to Cesar joining the NIGC and welcome him to the team.”

Mr. Valdez has over 30 years of combined military and civilian experience including enforcement and administration of laws, rules and regulations governing the Horse and Harness racing industry for the state of Pennsylvania, which includes four racetracks and twenty “off-track” betting facilities.  Additionally, Valdez was responsible for 217 employees while Director of Security at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, which includes a four star hotel and two other hotel properties, 5 golf courses, 14 restaurants, a convention center and an events center. 

Cesar has a long history of dedication to government, including military service in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm for which he received numerous awards and medals.

Mr. Valdez holds a B.A. from California State University Northridge and an M.A. from Shippensburg University.  Mr. Valdez. will join the NIGC as Director of Enforcement on August 6, 2007.

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