GRA UPDATE — MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Elvis Sutton (center) was sworn in as a Gaming Regulatory Authority board member in Band Assembly chambers on June 7, 2023, by the District I Associate Judge Rhonda Sam. Sutton is flanked by Sheldon Boyd, Secretary-Treasurer, District I Rep. Wendy Merrill, District III Rep. Harry Davis, District I Associate Judge Rhonda Sam, and District I Rep. Virgil Wind.
After a two-and-a-half-month vacancy, Elvis Sutton was sworn in as a GRA Board Member on June 7, 2023. We now have a full board again with five Mille Lacs Band members representing the community.
Susan Klapel, Chairperson
• Nominated by Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin.
• Served on the board since December of 2020 and previously worked for the GRA as an Investigator.
• Lives in Mora with her cats.
• Works for the Band as Executive Director of Natural Resources.
Crystal Weckert, Vice Chairperson
• Nominated by Secretary-Treasurer Sheldon Boyd.
• Served on the board since August of 2021.
• Lives in Brainerd with her six kids, dog, and cat.
• Works in mental health, social work for the Band.
• Enjoys sewing, board games, swimming, and spending time with family.
• As a board member, Crystal likes to learn about gaming and be part of protecting the Band’s assets.
Michael Davis, Secretary
• Nominated by District II Representative Wendy Merrill.
• Served on the board since May of 2017.
• Lives in McGregor and has one daughter, Jewel.
• Works for the Band as an Elder Abuse Advocate.
• Enjoys hunting, fishing, and wood-working.
• As a board member, Mike enjoys working with others on the board and learning about our GRA team. He is looking forward to working with the board through his term.
James Kalk
• Nominated by District I Representative Virgil Wind.
• Served on the board since September of 2022
• Jim has recently retired and lives in Garrison.
• He enjoys his grandkids, fishing, biking, and true crime stuff. But does not like winter!
• As a board member, Jim enjoys listening to Teresa (Executive Director).
Elvis Sutton
• Nominated by Band Assembly on behalf of District III Representative Harry Davis.
• Recently sworn in on June 7, 2023.
• Lives in D3 Lake Lena Community
• Works for the Band HHS Facilities as Lead Environmental Service Tech, DIII ALU and Aazhoomog Clinic.
• Worked for Grand Casino Hinckley for 26½ years in the Slot Technical department.
• Elvis enjoys riding his Harley, netting/spearing, fishing, hunting, maple sugarbushing, and wild ricing.
• As a board member, Elvis plans to use his previous gaming experience working with the GRA and looks forward to the new experience and knowledge he will gain while serving on the board.
The Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent regulatory agency of tribal government established to separate the government’s regulatory function from the management function of the Gaming Enterprises. More information and contact numbers can be found at to https://millelacsband.com/home/indian-gaming-regulation. You can also LIKE us on Facebook at Mille Lacs Band GRA. GRA Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are currently being conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams.
