Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has confirmed the resignation of J Brin Gibson as Chair and Executive Director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, with Brittnie Watkins to take over the roles.
Gibson, who was appointed into the position during November 2022, is to depart at the end of November to pursue a new professional opportunity.
He formerly served as Sisolak’s general counsel from January 2019 until January 2020, before leaving to pursue a new career opportunity. Gibson also recently assisted the governor’s office during two special legislative sessions this summer.
Current board member Watkins will take on the role as Chair and Executive Director. The Governor appointed Watkins to the Gaming Control Board in April 2021.
“I am grateful to Brin’s steady leadership at the Gaming Control Board over the last two years, and his continued counsel and friendship to me,” said Sisolak.
“We wish him and his family nothing but the best for Brin’s next chapter. I am grateful that Brittnie Watkins has agreed to continue the incredible and important work at the Gaming Control Board. She is more than ready for this role, and I am excited to see her work.”
As Sisolak’s general counsel, Gibson served as the Chief Legal Counsel regarding ethics, transactional and legislative matters as well as protection of state interests in the gaming and cannabis industries. In this role, he acted as the Chief Legal Counsel to Sisolak and all executive branch agency directors and cabinet members.
Prior to joining the governor’s office, he served dual roles as the First Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Gaming Division within the Nevada attorney general’s office.
While here, he supervised all regulatory and administrative law action for the office of the attorney general and oversaw a staff of nearly 400 lawyers and legal support professionals.
In his role as the Chief of Gaming, he acted as the Chief Legal Counsel to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Nevada Gaming Commission, and Nevada Gaming Policy Committee, where he handled all legal actions against Nevada gaming licensees by the board and commission, including regulatory issues and violations.
“I am humbled and honoured to have served as chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board at this critical moment for Nevada,” he noted.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I know there is so much more ahead for my colleagues. I want to thank Governor Sisolak for giving me this opportunity, and for his leadership and support over the years.”
