The California Nations Indian Gaming Association recently re-elected Mike Lopez and Daniel Salgado as vice-chairperson and secretary, respectively, to the organization’s executive committee. Michael Vasquez was also elected to the Central District as an at-large representative.
The elections were held during CNGIA’s December membership meeting.
“It is an honor to serve CNIGA, the largest regional tribal-gaming association in the United States,” said Lopez in a statement. “CNIGA fosters communication and cooperation among tribes to protect sovereign gaming rights on our lands. It is my goal to help guide the organization to do just that.”
“I am appreciative that I get to serve another term as secretary to help guide the organization and do my part to help protect tribal government gaming and the tribal sovereignty that makes it possible,” Salgado said.
Lopez is the vice-chairperson for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Salgado is the chairman of the Cahuilla Band of Indians and Vasquez is a tribal councilmember for the Pechanga Band of Indians.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the executive committee,” said Vasquez. “I look forward to using my position to help protect tribal self-sufficiency and to educate policymakers on tribal sovereignty and the vital importance of gaming to our tribal economies.
Not up for reelection this year and continuing terms on the executive board are CNIGA Chairman James Siva, Treasurer Isaiah Vivanco, and at-large representatives Jack Potter (Eastern District) and Josh Muse (Southern District), as well as Russell Witt, an associate-member representative.
