Philip N. Hogen, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Prior to being appointed Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Mr. Hogen was Associate Solicitor for the Division of Indian Affairs, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior where he oversaw legal maters pertaining to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of the Interior's fulfillment of its government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes, and its trust responsibilities to Indians and Indian Tribes. The Division of Indian Affairs includes the Branch of General Indian Legal Activities, the Branch of Tribal Government and Alaska , the Branch of Environment, Lands and Minerals, the Branch of Water and Power, and the Branch of Trust Reform and Litigation.

Nelson W. Westrin has been appointed Vice Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Westrin served as the first Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board since 1996, a position to which he was appointed by Governor John M. Engler. In this position, Mr. Westrin was responsible for developing, implementing, organizing, and managing every facet of the State agency. He worked closely with tribal officials while carrying out the State's oversight of Native American casino gaming operations in Michigan . From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Westrin served as the Racing Commissioner for the State of Michigan . Mr. Westrin was the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan from 1977 to 1993, and from 1984 to 1993 he was assigned to the Lottery and Racing Division.

Cloyce V. Choney has been appointed Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Prior to joining the Commission, From 1976 to 2001, Mr. Choney served as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During that time he handled a variety of cases involving civil rights, fraud, organized and white collar crime, and bank robbery investigation. He also served as Chair of the Native American/Alaska People Advisory Committee and was awarded several Federal Bureau of Investigation commendations, including the Director's Award for Excellence in 2001.