Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean Thanks Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland for Her Service to Tribal Gaming

WASHINGTON, D.C.— April 7, 2026 —  The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) extends its honest appreciation to Vice Chair Jean C. Hovland for her years of devoted service to Indian Country and her management on the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Hovland, a proud citizen of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, introduced her departure from the Commission this week after greater than 20 years in federal service, together with 5 years serving to lead the company’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming operations nationwide.

On behalf of the Indian Gaming Association and its member tribes, Chairman David Z. Bean issued the next assertion:

“Vice Chair Hovland has been a gentle and considerate chief throughout an necessary time for tribal authorities gaming. Her dedication to robust, truthful regulation underneath the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has helped defend the integrity of our trade and reinforce the sovereignty of tribal nations.

She carries together with her the power and values of her individuals, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, and that basis has been evident in how she approached her work, all the time grounded in respect for tribal communities and their future.

Regulation is not only a requirement in Indian gaming; it’s a cornerstone of our success. It is what ensures belief, accountability, and the continued power of an trade that helps tribal governments, creates jobs, and supplies important providers to our individuals. Vice Chair Hovland understood that duty and carried it with professionalism and respect for tribal sovereignty.

We are grateful for her partnership, her advocacy for Indian Country, and her efforts to help the subsequent technology of tribal gaming leaders. Her service has made a long-lasting influence, and she or he shall be missed.

On behalf of Indian Country, we thank her for her dedication and need her and her household all the perfect as she returns house to South Dakota.”

During her tenure, Hovland labored alongside tribal leaders and regulators to uphold the integrity of the practically $44 billion tribal gaming trade whereas advancing initiatives that strengthened communities and addressed rising challenges dealing with Indian Country.

The Indian Gaming Association seems to be ahead to persevering with its work with the National Indian Gaming Commission and federal companions to guard tribal sovereignty and make sure the long-term success of tribal authorities gaming.