Richard is a highly skilled attorney with nearly three decades of experience specializing in Federal Indian Law. He currently serves Indian Country as a Gaming Commissioner, Regulatory Legal Counsel, General Counsel to the NTGCR, Board Member of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network, and is a Founding Partner of Steelhead Compliance Solutions, a full-service regulatory compliance consulting firm. As a proud descendant of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation, he has maintained a strong connection to the Native American community throughout his life. Richard's legal career began as an intern with the Office of Legal Counsel for the Yakama Nation in 1993, and since then, he has become an expert in gaming-related legal matters. He possesses an in-depth understanding of Tribal Law, particularly in Federal Indian Law, Tribal Government, and Gaming Regulation, with specialization in Compact Negotiation, Compact Compliance, Gaming License Matters, and CJIS Compliance. He has exceptional skills advising tribal gaming agencies on regulation development, licensing, and administrative hearings. Richard has worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including tribal gaming associations, state and federal regulators, and tribal gaming stakeholders, on all aspects of tribal gaming and regulatory compliance issues.  Richard earned his undergraduate degree from U.C. Davis and his law degree from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Additionally, Richard served with honor and integrity as a U.S. Marine for over 30 years, enlisting as a Private in 1987 and retiring as a Major in 2018.