Washington DC, October 3, 2007 — National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Phil Hogen announces Vice-Chairman Chuck Choney will retire from the Commission and Federal Service effective at the end of the year. Vice-Chairman Choney was appointed to the Commission in December 2002.

 

Commission Chairman Hogen said “Chuck Choney brought maturity, leadership, a keen understanding of Indian and tribal traditions and values, and solid judgment to the Commission. His service here raised respect for the Commission, and for integrity in the Indian gaming industry. His participation on the Commission will be sorely missed.” 

 

“Vice-Chairman Choney played a key role in the formation of the Indian Gaming Working Group (IGWG). The IGWG was formed in 2003 to enhance cooperation between federal agencies and to coordinate their roles and functions with respect to potential crimes throughout the Indian gaming industry,” Hogen added.

 

Previous to Commissioner Choney’s time with the Commission, he already had 30 years of federal service. This included 6 years in the U.S. Army and 26 years as a Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Commissioner Choney stated “My time with the Commission will soon come to an end. It has been a pleasure and honor to work with numerous individuals and hundreds of Tribal leaders over the years to enhance the Indian gaming industry. Indian gaming has provided opportunities previously unthinkable to many tribes throughout Indian country and I’m grateful to have played a part in the phenomenal growth of this industry.” Choney continued “I am proud to have played a vital role in defining the mission and goals of the NIGC as well as guiding the formulation that will help ensure Indian gaming continues to be a strong and growing economic development tool for Indian country.”

 

Commissioner Choney was instrumental in raising the profile of crimes taking place at Indian casinos. Previous to the formation of the IGWG, benchmarks for law enforcement involvement for criminal acts taking place at Indian casinos was at a range that allowed many felony acts to go unpunished. Commissioner Choney said “Now when an Indian casino discovers criminal activity being committed on their property they know it will be properly addressed.”

 

Commissioner Choney plans to enjoy his retirement with his wife Sandy at their home in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

 

 

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