TWO BAND MEMBERS TAKE LEADERSHIP ROLES IN GRA
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
Michelle Pomerleau and Chirstopher Staples are a powerful pairing, bringing their individual talents together to team up with the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. This dynamic duo of Band members both recently joined the GRA as Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director of Office of Gaming Regulation and Compliance (OGR&C), respectively. The two Band members combined bring over 40 years of experience to their leadership roles.
As Executive Director, Pomerleau is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the GRA. Responsibilities also include the successful overall direction, administration, and coordination of all GRA operations and activities for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and overseeing compliance monitoring, investigation, and enforcement of all applicable gaming laws and regulations for all gaming conducted on Band lands.
Born and raised in Danbury/Webster, Wisc., Pomerleau is very proud of her heritage. “I work hard to help our Band members and the tribe as a whole, which is why I am honored to be in the position I am in today,” she said. “Knowing that the position of Executive Director of the OGR&C plays a huge responsibility/role in protecting our Band's assets makes it a perfect fit for me.”
Having served as a GRA Board member from 2014 to 2022, Pomerleau knows the challenges and responsibilities of the GRA. She has worked in tribal government and casino operations for 25 years. Before coming to work for the Band, Pomerleau worked for the St. Croix Chippewa of Wisconsin. For the last 20 years, she has held various positions of leadership within tribal government and casino operations.
Staples has immersed himself in the dynamic world of gaming for over two decades, carving out a rich tapestry of experience across various domains. With a robust background in casino finance, hotel/resort operations, and food and beverage management, Staples brings a wealth of insights and expertise to the table. He is a proud alumnus of the Leadership Twin Cities program.
Pomerleau is passionate about helping fellow Band members succeed and protecting the assets of the Band as a whole.
Both Pomerleau and Staples are grounded by values of family responsibilities with empathy and resilience. Pomerleau is enjoying her status as a Band Elder combined with being a mother of two daughters and grandmother of three grandchildren. Staples is a devoted father of three children.
This dynamic duo is ready to make an impact to drive change and foster meaningful experiences within the GRA and the gaming industry as they work with the people who lead the teams.