April C. Keo – Gaming Commissioner Candidate

Greetings, my name is April C. Keo. I’m the daughter of Raymond Wahwasuck, Sr. and Deb Whitebird, and granddaughter of the late Thurman “Dutch” Shopteese. I reside in Horton, Ks with my husband, James Keo, Jr. Currently I’m employed at the Nation’s Judicial Center as the Court Clerk. My children are Dutch & Ashtyn Keo, who are pursuing their education at Kansas University in Lawrence, Ks and Baker University in Baldwin City. In my spare time I enjoy organizing, decorating, traveling, and spending time with my family.

In 2006, I earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management & leadership through Friends University. My customer service experience encompasses serving guests, maintaining good working relationships, adhering to regulations, and resolving complaints in a timely manner. Attention to detail is interesting to me, I enjoy being meticulous with work. In addition to managing the office and organizing, I’m skilled in all areas of the office. I’m highly motivated, honest, dependable, organized, detailed, respectful, resourceful, and I’m a team player. I can get along with anybody and I’m able to adapt quickly to change.

I’ve successfully held a Category I Gaming License and have been employed in Indian Gaming for 13+ years. I’m well versed in safeguarding assets within the Gaming Commission, the functions of administration, licensing regulations, employee & vendor compliance, backgrounds, investigations, monitoring surveillance activities, annual budgets, audits, inventory, access control, agendas, meeting minutes, conditions, violations/fines, gaming disputes etc. I’m familiar with Class II/III Gaming Facilities, the Tribal-State Gaming Compact with the Kansas State Gaming Agency, the Gaming Ordinance regulated by NIGC, created by the IGRA, MICS (IC’s), TICS, P&P’s, and recently, the PBPN L&O Code. I’m experienced with order, gaming oversight, some tribal law, municipal and tribal court functions.

This is an opportunity for me to do my part in Gaming to ensure our Nation’s sovereignty, future developments, and self-government. We have a lot to contend with and we must do our best to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. I’m willing to come aboard and work collaboratively with staff to advance the Nation to promote future stability for our membership.

I’d be honored to contribute to the growth and success of our great Nation. With my education & gaming experience I’m excited to vie for the Gaming Commission #1 seat. I’d appreciate your vote in the upcoming 2025 Gaming Election. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully submitted,
April C. Keo (Wasai)