Retired Nevada Supreme Court justice Abbi Silver appointed to state gaming commission

Retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Abbi Silver has been named as the newest member of the Nevada Gaming Commission, succeeding Commissioner Ogonna Brown, who declined reappointment to a new four-year term.

"Justice Silver is one of Nevada’s brightest visionaries and trailblazers, and I’m confident that she will greatly enhance the work of the commission in her new role,” Gov. Joe Lombardo said in an emailed statement, as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

Silver's appointment comes as Brown steps away from the state's top gaming regulatory body following the expiration of her term later this month.

Silver brings a wealth of judicial experience to her new role. Having served on the Nevada Supreme Court for nearly four years, she holds the distinction of being the only judge in state history to have been elected to every court in Nevada's court system. 

Her judicial journey began with her election to the Las Vegas Municipal Court in 2003, followed by subsequent appointments to the Las Vegas Justice Court and the Eighth Judicial District Court. 

Governor Brian Sandoval later appointed her to the Inaugural Court of Appeals, where she served as the first female chief judge. Silver's judicial career culminated with her election to the Nevada Supreme Court in 2018, where she also served as the chief justice for the Northern Nevada Panel.

“I’m honored to be appointed to the Nevada Gaming Commission,” Silver said in an emailed statement, as reported by Review-Jounral. “I’m grateful to Gov. Lombardo for entrusting me with this dynamic role, and I look forward to serving our state.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Ogonna Brown, appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak in July 2020, declined a new term offered by Governor Lombardo due to increased workload at her law firm. Brown, a partner at the Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie law firm in Las Vegas, received commendations for her service from Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick during Thursday's commission meeting.