Nevada governor Brian Sandoval has chosen Republican state senator Becky Harris as the new chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the first woman to occupy the post.
Harris replaces former Chairman A.G. Burnett, who left the board on 22 December to work as an attorney for McDonald Carano in Reno.
“Becky has served her community as an elected official and worked to pass legislation which codified the e-gaming decision made by the Gaming Policy Committee which authorised e-gaming competitions, helped spur innovation in gaming, and ensured Nevada remain on the forefront of new opportunities in one of our state’s oldest industries,” said Sandoval in a statement.
“Nevada’s gaming regulatory structure is the best in the world and it is imperative that the public servants who serve on this commission are beyond reproach and willing to make difficult decisions.”
Harris, who represents State Senate District Nine in Clark County, will resign her seat to serve on the board.
An attorney licensed to practice law in Nevada and Virginia, Harris is also involved with the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, an association of lawmakers from across the country in states with legalised gambling.
Due to new time restraints, she plans to step down as treasurer of that organisation.
Burnett was in the third year of his second four-year term as chair when he announced his departure in December.
Harris will complete that term until January 2019 when the governor who succeeds Brian Sandoval will decide whether to reappoint her.
“To be appointed to the finest regulatory system in the world is a tremendous responsibility,” Harris said in a news release.
“I am grateful for the trust and confidence governor Sandoval has placed in me.”
