Indian Gaming Association Announces Leadership Transition Following the Passing of Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announced that Vice Chairman David Z. Bean has assumed the role of Chairman for the remainder of the term left by the late Ernie Stevens, Jr., who passed away suddenly on September 26, 2025. Chairman Bean’s appointment follows the organization’s bylaws, which provide that the Vice Chairman shall fill any vacancy in the Chairperson’s office for the unexpired term.
Chairman Stevens led the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades, during which tribal gaming became one of the most successful economic development movements in Indian Country. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to tribal sovereignty shaped the modern landscape of tribal government gaming.
“It has only been a short period since we laid our former Chairman and my friend, Ernie Stevens, Jr., to rest. The outpouring of support and sympathy from Indian Country has truly touched his family and all of us who worked daily with him. Ernie always reminded us that ‘there is more work to do, let’s get up tomorrow and get at it.’ As the new Chairman of IGA, I intend to continue on the path that Ernie laid down for over twenty years, carrying forward his dedication to protecting tribal sovereignty and advancing the interests of all tribal nations,” said Chairman David Bean.
Chairman Bean, a longtime tribal leader from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, has served in various leadership capacities within IGA, first as a regional representative for the Northwest, then as Vice Chairman, and now as Chairman. Under his leadership, IGA will continue to address pressing issues, including illegal online gaming operations, federal program funding, and the ongoing need to strengthen tribal consultation and treaty obligations across federal agencies.
Jason Giles, Executive Director of the Indian Gaming Association, said: “Chairman Bean has been a steady and respected voice in Indian Country for many years,” Giles said. “He embodies the same values of unity, humility, and persistence that defined Chairman Stevens’ leadership. Under his guidance, IGA will continue to build on Ernie’s legacy—protecting tribal sovereignty, promoting responsible gaming policy, and ensuring that tribal governments remain strong partners in the national dialogue on economic development.”
Chairman Bean noted that IGA’s current priorities include addressing the threat posed by Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sports betting futures contracts, protecting Indian health care funding amid federal budget challenges, and coordinating through the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS) alongside NCAI, USET, and other national and regional organizations.
“As Chairman, I am hitting the ground running. Our mission remains clear: to protect tribal sovereignty, honor our treaty rights, and ensure that tribal voices are heard in every policy conversation that affects our people and our governments,” Bean said.
The Indian Gaming Association will hold elections for Vice Chairman and Treasurer positions at its Annual Tradeshow and Convention in March 2026. Until then, Chairman Bean will continue leading IGA in fulfilling its commitments to member tribes and honoring the enduring legacy of Chairman Stevens.
