Arizona Indian Gaming Association appoints Kasey Velasquez as its new Chairman

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) has announced the election of White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman Kasey Velasquez as its Chairman for 2025. Bringing decades of leadership and public service experience, Velasquez will lead efforts to advance AIGA’s mission of promoting Tribal sovereignty, self-reliance, and economic development.

AIGA represents member Tribes across Arizona, united in advocating for the benefits and growth of Tribal Gaming in the state. Since its founding in 1994, AIGA has served as a collective voice to protect the sovereign rights of Tribes while promoting the economic, cultural, and social advancements derived from Indian gaming operations. 

With Tribal gaming contributing over $100 billion to the US economy, AIGA aims to ensure that its success benefits Tribal nations and their surrounding communities. 

Chairman Velasquez said: “It is a tremendous honor to serve as the Chairman of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. I am inspired by the resilience and vision of our Tribal leaders, and I look forward to working together to advance our shared priorities—protecting sovereignty, fostering economic opportunities, and ensuring our voices are heard at every level.

"By uniting our efforts, we can continue to create a prosperous future for all our people. For more than thirty years AIGA has served the interest of Tribes in Arizona, specifically advancing our Indian Gaming economies and initiatives. I am honored to inherit this strong legacy of leadership and organization from the many Tribal Leaders who served before me and look forward to advancing their vision and legacy of AIGA.”

Chairman Velasquez, a member of the Bear Clan (Nagodishgizh’n) and Roadrunner Clan (Biszaha), has dedicated his life to public service, according to the press release issued. He holds multiple degrees, including two graduate degrees in education from Northern Arizona University and Doane College.

As Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, he has prioritized unifying the Tribal Council to address and invest in critical areas such as education, housing, and economic development. 

Chairman Velasquez comes from a family with a history of Tribal leadership. His grandmother, Mary Velasquez Riley, was the first woman elected to the White Mountain Apache Tribal Council, where she served for 20 years. She was later inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions.

Chairman Velasquez has held multiple leadership roles, including Vice-Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and District IV Tribal Councilman. Before entering tribal leadership, he worked in public education, gaining experience as both a classroom educator and in executive administration.