Nelson Westrin, the vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, will be stepping down at the end of his term in December.

Westrin was appointed to his position by Interior Secretary Gale Norton in December 2002. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, members of the NIGC serve three-year terms.

Westrin, a former state gaming regulator, plans to return to his home in Michigan and join a law firm, the NIGC announced yesterday.

"Nelson has served as an active and effective member of the NIGC and has shown an unwavering dedication to its mission," Norton said. "I salute his tenure and wish him well in the future."

Phil Hogen, the chairman of the NIGC, and Chuck Choney, another member, were also appointed to their terms in December 2002. They have not publicly announced their future plans. They could be reappointed to serve on the NIGC.