John Monforte, of Albuquerque, is the Executive Director. Previously, John was the Executive Director of the Acoma Gaming Commission, a position he has held since 1999. During his service in Indian gaming, John was appointed in 2001 to the National Indian Gaming Commission Minimum Internal Control Advisory Committee that redrafted the federal standards. He has taught several courses for the National Indian Gaming Association Commissioner Certification program. John also served as the New Mexico representative for the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators Board of Directors from 2002-2004 and then served as Treasurer until 2006. Outside of Indian gaming, John has served as a Guardian ad litem since 2003 representing the best interests of neglected and abused children.

Mr. Monforte was born in Wichita, Kansas. He received a Bachelors Degree in History and in Political Science from Kansas State University and a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law.

Gregory J. Saunders, of Albuquerque, serves as the Board’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the Board, Saunders successfully built the primary Information Technology infrastructure for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department where he was responsible for implementing a new client tracking systems and connecting 72 statewide sites to the central location. Mr. Saunders gathered a top notch team at the Gaming Control Board, and implemented a comprehensive Regulatory Control System to electronically monitor and control statewide gaming activities. Mr. Saunders holds a Bachelor Degree in Business and a Masters in Management.

Frank A. Baca, of Albuquerque, serves as the Board’s General Counsel. Prior to his appointment, Baca practiced civil litigation law in regards to business, real estate, and injury claims. He also has substantial experience in representing clients at administrative hearings. A native New Mexican, Baca earned a law degree from the University of New Mexico in 1981, and received a B.A. in history at Yale University in 1977.