Press Release
For Immediate Release

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Gallardo to Join CNIGA as Legislative Director

November 17, 2003

Chris L. Gallardo, senior consultant with the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, has accepted the position of legislative director for the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.

Gallardo, 36, will begin his duties with CNIGA Monday, November 17.

“We are very pleased that Chris has agreed to join the CNIGA family,” said CNIGA Executive Director Jacob Coin. “We have great confidence in his ability and knowledge and we are certain he will do an excellent job representing CNIGA and our member tribes.”

CNIGA is a non-profit organization comprised of 57 federally recognized tribal governments. The association is dedicated to protecting the sovereign right of Indian tribes to have gaming on federally recognized Indian lands. It acts as a planning and coordinating agency for legislative, policy, legal and communications efforts on behalf of its members and serves as an industry forum for information and resources.

Gallardo, who served three years with the Assembly Business and Professions Committee under the direction of Assembly member Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), will oversee all legislation affecting tribal government gaming in California.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to do what I can to protect tribal sovereignty and the right to game,” Gallardo said.

Prior to working with the state Assembly Gallardo served as program manager for La Coopertiza Campesina De California, a non-profit advocate group for migrant workers and children.
Gallardo has a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor of science degree in criminology, both from National University, La Jolla.

Gallardo and his wife, Denise, have three children and live in Sacramento.

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