LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board Kirk Hendrick announced that he will be resigning following the upcoming legislative session.
Hendrick announced the decision Wednesday after recently meeting with Governor Joe Lombardo where they discussed the Board’s accomplishments and what is left to do.
Hendrick, a Las Vegas attorney who previously served as chief operating officer of the UFC, was appointed to a four-year term by Lombardo in 2023. He replaced Brittnie Watkins who was the board’s acting chairwoman since 2022 after the departure of Brin Gibson.
Hendrick’s statement read in full:
I recently had a great conversation with Governor Lombardo, and we discovered how much the Board has accomplished since he appointed me as chairman two years ago. We also discussed more to still be accomplished, including the Board’s priorities for the legislative session starting next month. Our conversation concluded with me informing the governor of my intention to resign as Board Chair following the legislative session.
My announcement today allows Governor Lombardo time to find the next Board Chair and provides for a smooth transition of leadership. It also allows me to tell al the amazing Board agents and employees, as well as Nevada’s gaming industry, citizens, and visitors, that I am dedicated to accomplishing much more over the next several months.
Chairman Kirk Hendrick
The exact date for Hendrick’s final day will later be determined.
In addition to a nearly 10-year stint guiding the legal affairs of UFC, Hendrick worked for state Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa in the agency’s gaming division. He also was senior deputy attorney general for the gaming division’s Las Vegas office, before becoming chief deputy for the statewide gaming division. Hendrick also served as the legal counsel for the Nevada Athletic Commission.
