NIGC to throw retirement party for Phil Hogen

Friday, September 25, 2009  

The National Indian Gaming Commission will throw one last party for outgoing Chairman Phil Hogen, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

After seven years on the job, Hogen is leaving the agency that regulates the $28 billion tribal gaming industry. He's eager to return to South Dakota, a spokesperson said.

“I think he’s been looking forward to getting back out to the Black Hills. He’s been here a good number of years and I think he’s been looking to do this for some time," Shawn Pensoneau told Indian Country Today.

President Barack Obama has yet to nominate a new chair of the NIGC. While he weighs his choice, the position will be filled by George Skibine, a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma who has been in charge of gaming issues at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Hogen's reception will take place in Washington, D.C., on October 2.

Get the Story:
NIGC's Hogen to retire; Skibine to be interim chair (Indian Country Today 9/25)