Board of Directors

Sixteen residents of Black Hawk County make up the BHCGA Board of Directors to represent the broad interests across the Cedar Valley. Each board member can serve up to two three-year terms and must be a licensed operator through the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Potential board members go through a nomination process and are subject to approval by the full Board of Directors.

Executive Committee Members

Melanie Knipp
President
2nd term expires 6/30/2028
Selvedina Samardzic
Vice President
1st term expires 6/30/2026
John Huff
Secretary
2nd term expires 6/30/2028
Jane Whittlesey
Treasurer
2nd term expires 6/30/2026
Stacey Bentley
Treasurer Elect
1st term expires 6/30/2027

Board Members

Russell Buchanan
1st term expires 6/30/2026
Umar Chohan
1st term expires 6/30/2028
Oksana Grybovych Hafermann
1st term expires 6/30/2028
Chiquita Loveless
2nd term expires 6/30/2028
Brian Schoon
1st term expires 6/30/2028
Eric Ritland
2nd term expires 6/30/2026
Mike Tyer
1st term expires 6/30/2026
LeKeisha Veasley
1st term expires 6/30/2027

Staff

Emily Hanson
Executive Director
emily.hanson@bhcga.org
Sarah Craft
Grant Coordinator
sarah.craft@bhcga.org

Location

114 E. 4th St, Ste 300
Waterloo, IA 50703
Copyright © 2025 Black Hawk County Gaming Association. All Rights Reserved.
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