Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact:

California Nations Indian Gaming Association Names New Executive Director

October 17, 2016

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the State's largest tribal government gaming trade group announced the pending retirement of Executive Director and the selection of Susan Jensen as the organization’s incoming executive director. Ms. Jensen will replace Lee Acebedo, the associations longest serving ED, who will be retiring at the end of October. For over 18 years, Ms. Jensen has been a vital part of the association in many capacities, including serving twice as the associations interim Executive Director during her tenure. Ms. Jensen has overseen the association's media program, member services and the Western Indian Gaming Conference, the association's annual trade show. “Her knowledge and eighteen years of experience within the association gives her incredible insight on the history of our members and the association as we prepare to enter the next phase of tribal government gaming in the State,” said Steve Stallings, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association. “I would like to extend a deep thank you to Mr. Acebedo for his dedication to CNIGA and California’s tribal governments. Lee’s wisdom and guidance over the past decade has been invaluable.” As executive director, Ms. Jensen will oversee day-to-day operation and be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the policies and programs established by the CNIGA membership and executive committee. Ms. Jensen began her career with the association in 1998 as a Public Relations Coordinator, since that time she has served as the Director of Communications and most recently the Deputy Director of Operations. Jensen is a graduate of California State University at Sacramento. “I am honored to have been selected for the position of executive director. I look forward to the challenge and welcome the opportunity to enhance the critical role that CNIGA plays in the tribal gaming industry,” said Jensen. About CNIGA Representing 33 federally recognized member tribes, CNIGA is the largest and most influential tribal organization in California. CNIGA is dedicated to protecting the sovereign right of Indian tribes to have gaming on their land. Tribal government gaming operations in California generate an estimated $8 billion in economic output, of which $3.3 billion represents earnings by California workers, and support over 63,000 jobs statewide.

For more information about the economic impact of California’s tribal casinos visit www.cniga.com.

#   #   #