Etcitty to join gaming enterprise management

GALLUP, N.M. - In a strategic move, the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) hired Raymond Etcitty, who up until just recently served as the Navajo Nation's Chief Legislative Counsel. Etcitty will serve as the Gaming Enterprise's General Counsel in charge of all legal matters related to leasing, personnel, insurance, and other contractual obligations of the enterprise.

"The [NNGE] could not have asked for a better candidate than Raymond Etcitty," says Bob Winter, CEO of the NNGE. "His thorough understanding of Navajo tribal law, economic development and community issues will be key to our development and success."

Considered one of the top attorneys in the field, Etcitty is well-known for his expertise in Indian gaming law, tribal law, tax and revenue regulations, economic development regulatory issues and Navajo government.  

Etcitty served as the Nation's Chief Legislative Counsel from April of 2003 until March. Prior to that, he managed the Office of the Navajo Tax Commission where he administered the Possessory Interest Tax, Business Activity Tax, Oil and Gas Severance Tax, Tobacco Products Tax, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Sales Tax, and Fuel Excise Tax) and negotiated several state/tribal tax credits and intergovernmental tax agreements with surrounding states.

Etcitty also taught federal Indian law at University of Phoenix, Indian taxation at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and served on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Advisory Committee on Tax-Exempt and Government Entities from 2003 to 2004.  

 "I'm very excited about this opportunity and what lies ahead for the Navajo Nation," Etcitty says. "I've spent my life and career trying to help our people by providing legal advice on government, streamlining our processes and creating opportunities rather than problems. The development of our gaming enterprise will definitely stimulate the local economy from a number of perspectives including employment and Navajo re revenues. I'm sure the legal aspects of that will be both challenging and rewarding."

Etcitty received his Juris Doctorate from UNM in Albuquerque and is a member of the Navajo Nation Bar and the State Bar of New Mexico. The son of two BIA teachers, he was born in Winslow and grew up all over the reservation. Etcitty currently resides in Gallup, N.M. and is Tótsóhnii (Big Water Clan) born for the Táchii'nii (Red Running Into the Water Clan).

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