AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC) is pleased to announce that tribal member Jill Benedict has been selected as executive director.

Benedict began her new position on Nov. 5, and took the place of Todd Papineau, who was named Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort General Manager in May 2018 after 16 years with the commission.

“I am honored and appreciative of the opportunity to utilize my skills, as well as my passion for Indian gaming, to oversee the Tribal Gaming Commission and compliance of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s gaming enterprises,” said TGC Executive Director Jill Benedict.

“I look forward to applying my knowledge of the Tribe’s gaming staff, procedures, and understanding of internal control standards to safeguard the integrity of the Tribe’s casino and bingo operations.”

As executive director, Benedict will be in charge of ensuring a safe, fair and honest play at the gaming establishments in accordance with tribal laws, federal regulations and the Tribal-State Compact.

She is also tasked with overseeing efforts to ensure the success of the Tribe’s gaming enterprises by training and developing highly competent individuals to protect the Tribe’s assets and maintaining the public’s confidence in the integrity of the gaming enterprises — Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort and the Mohawk Bingo Palace.

Benedict joins the Tribal Gaming Commission following 15 years as the Director of Compliance for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort.

Her experience includes enforcing compliance in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and gaming regulators.

She also oversaw the anti-money laundering compliance program and investigations, as well as the development of policies and procedures that enhanced financial oversight.

As executive director, Benedict will direct the Tribal Gaming Commission -- a wholly independent department of the Tribe created by the Tribal Gaming Ordinance -- in conducting background checks and hiring of all Tribal employees requiring a gaming license and oversight of the gaming operation’s internal audit, surveillance, gaming networks, and gaming inspectors.

The Tribal Gaming Commission also investigates internal and external criminal activity, as well as policy and procedural violations in protecting Tribal assets.

Benedict is an enrolled member and lifelong resident of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.

She received a Bachelor of Sociology Degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam.