Cloyce "Chuck" Choney, the vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, will retire at the end of the year after five years of service.

Choney, a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, joined the NIGC in December 2002. He was reappointed to a second term to the agency that oversees the $23 billion tribal casino industry.

"His service here raised respect for the commission, and for integrity in the Indian gaming industry," said NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen. "His participation on the commission will be sorely missed."

“My time with the Commission will soon come to an end," said Choney. "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."