The Iowa Gaming Commission has appointed Tina Eick as its administrator during a special meeting on Friday. Eick, who held the position in the interim role since December now assumes the permanent position. The Commission noted that Eick was named the permanent administrator as she stood out through a long and competitive interview process.
Sioux City Journal cited Amy Burkhart who said that nine candidates were interviewed for the position, of a board member.
“Throughout the feedback received and throughout that process it became very evident that we already have the person in place who is the best candidate to lead our commission forward,” she said.
Eick has been with the commission since 2017 when she was the director of operations. She assumed the position of interim administrator in December when the previous administrator, Brian Ohorilko, left the commission to take an executive position with Prairie Meadows Casino.
According to a press release, Eick graduated law school from Drake University and was in private practice prior to joining IRGC. Eick is just the 4th Administrator of the IRGC since its inception in 1983.
“Tina has the full confidence of all five commissioners. She has an in-depth understanding of state regulations that pertain to this industry, strong relationships with IRGC staff and other stakeholders, and conducts herself with the utmost integrity,” said Daryl Olsen, Chair of the IRGC.
As per the above cited publication, Eick was paid $143,408 in 2023, according to state records, while Ohorilko was paid $217,427.
“I’m honored and I’m humbled by the comments, kind words, and your confidence in me,” Eick told the commission on Friday. “And I really look forward to the challenges to come.”
In recent times, gambling regulations in Iowa have come under some scrutiny with questions over an investigation into illegal sports betting against a number of Iowa college athletes. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Criminal Investigation, and not the Racing and Gaming Commission.
Ohorilko had previously noted that his decision to leave the post was not related to the investigation but told a parent of one student-athlete “a lot of people don’t agree” with how the investigation was handled, according to court documents.
The IRGC says that it administers the laws and rules for gambling and wagering in Iowa in order to ensure the integrity of licensees and their operations, maintain public confidence in regulated gambling and wagering activities in Iowa, and promote economic development for the citizens of Iowa.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2024/02/13/70793-iowa-gaming-commission-appoints-tina-eick-as-new-administrator
