- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Gaming
The Department of the Interior has proposed appointing William “Billy” Henry Kirkland III to the National Indian Gaming Commission for a three‑year term. Kirkland would join the commission’s sole remaining member, Associate Commissioner Sharon Avery, who also served as former acting chair.
The announcement was published Monday in the Federal Register. Kirkland currently serves as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 7. 2025.
The notice describes Kirkland as an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation with experience in tribal affairs, federal service and private‑sector strategy work. He previously served in the Executive Office of the President as special assistant to the president and deputy director of intergovernmental affairs, where he led tribal engagement efforts for the White House, according to the federal notice.
“Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kirkland delivered high-impact services to Fortune 500 companies, political candidates, and advocacy campaigns, driving strategic results for businesses and organizations across the country,” the notice reads. “His leadership experience includes managing professional teams, developing sophisticated campaign strategies and achieving significant legislative and public relations outcomes.”
The proposed appointment comes as the commission continues to operate without a full three‑member slate, per prior Tribal Business News reporting. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the commission is composed of three full-time members: a chair appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, and two associate members appointed by the secretary of the interior.
The Commission has not had a full roster since former Chair Sequoyah Simermeyer left in February 2024. Simermeyer later joined private betting company FanDuel as vice president of strategic partnerships.
President Joe Biden nominated former official Patrice Kunesh to the chair position, but the Senate did not vote on her nomination before the end of the session. Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland left the commission April 6. Avery has been operating as the sole commissioner since.
The Federal Register notice states that Kirkland “does not have any financial interests that would make him ineligible to serve on the Commission” under federal law.
Public comments on his proposed appointment are due May 27. Comments must be sent to the Office of the Solicitor, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 6341, Washington, DC 20240, with the envelope marked “NIGC Appointment Comment.”
