Chris Stearns, a member of the Navajo Nation, has been re-appointed to the Washington
State Gambling Commission.
Stearns first joined the commission in May 2013. He was later elected by his peers to serve as chair -- the first Native American in the post.
“It is a true privilege to continue serving as a commissioner," Stearns, whose new term expires in June 2021, said in a press release. "Gambling continues to be a hot topic and I look forward to following the evolving technology that goes along with gambling.”
Stearns has had a long career in Indian issues. He serves as counsel to Hobbs, Straus,
Dean & Walker, an Indian law firm.
Previously, Stearns was a staffer on the House Natural Resources
Committee, where he worked on Indian legislation. He also was the first
director of Indian Affairs at the Energy Department.
Get the Story:
Press Release: Chris Stearns Re-Appointed as Gambling Commissioner by Governor Inslee
(WSGC 5/4)
Related Stories:
Navajo lawyer named chair of Washington gaming commission
(10/16)