Leslie Tanyan

I began my career as a gaming commissioner with my tribe while pursuing my accounting degree, which launched me into over two decades in auditing and regulation. I learned the ropes of tribal gaming commissions in Oklahoma, working as an auditor and eventually moving into executive director positions. My accounting background combined with my gaming commission knowledge opened doors to director roles across multiple tribal gaming operations. I also served as a tribal leader for my tribe, which gave me deep insight into tribal government operations. When Oklahoma established the Medical Marijuana Authority, I worked there as an auditor for several years while maintaining my involvement in gaming through board positions, including serving as a gaming board member for Thunderbird Entertainment Center's casinos in Norman and Shawnee. In 2019, I founded Eagle Clan Consulting to provide consulting services to tribes in areas including gaming, compliance, grants, and budget preparation. I process background reports and help tribes with whatever they need to support their gaming commissions and broader tribal operations. Currently, I work for the Department of Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue, where I audit Indian oil and gas, while continuing to serve as chairperson of the Iowa Tribe Gaming Commission and running my consulting business part-time. I hold an MBA in accounting from 2011 and a Master's in Indigenous Peoples Law from 2018, and I'm exploring doctorate programs as my next educational goal.