Ice Miller Continues Public Affairs Growth; Welcomes Public Affairs Partner Sara Gonso Tait
9/27/2021
Ice Miller Continues Public Affairs Growth; Welcomes Public Affairs Partner Sara Gonso Tait
Ice Miller LLP today announced the addition of partner Sara Gonso Tait to its Public Affairs Group.
Sara most recently served as executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, where she was the chief regulator of Indiana’s 13 casinos, an industry that brings in more than $500 million in tax revenue each year and employs more than 12,000 people. Appointed in June 2015 by Governor Eric Holcomb and reappointed in 2017, Sara managed an agency budget of $29 million and oversaw 240 Indiana Gaming Commission employees, including two police divisions. In 2018, Sara was recognized as Regulator of the Year in the America’s Category of International Masters of Gaming Law.
“Adding someone of Sara’s experience and reputation to our team will add even greater depth to our ability to serve and advise our clients on regulatory, compliance and business issues across the country,” said John Oberle, leader of Ice Miller’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Practice Groups. “Her proven record of success as a top regulator, innovator and a leader will bring new opportunities to our firm and a unique perspective to how we serve our clients.”
During her tenure at the Indiana Gaming Commission, Sara successfully oversaw and implemented significant modernization, growth, consolidation and investment in Indiana’s gaming industry. Sara’s ability to uphold strong regulatory standards led to the creation of a progressive and favorable regulatory market within the state. Specifically, she oversaw land-based casino openings, implemented new legislation, and introduced paid fantasy sports and cashless wagering. Under Sara’s leadership, Indiana also created a nationally recognized regulatory approach for sports betting launched on a tight timeline, which has resulted in an already booming sports betting market.
“Gaming, liquor and cannabis continue to be practice areas of significant growth at our firm so the timing of adding a seasoned regulatory leader to our team could not better,” said Oberle.
Sara began as a staff attorney with the Indiana Gaming Commission in 2011 and was quickly promoted to director of license control, charged with combating illegal gambling operations. She became the agency’s chief legal counsel in 2014, where she served until her appointment as executive director.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Sara attended Miami University in Ohio, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Sara attended the Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis and graduated with her juris doctor in 2010. Prior to attending law school, Sara worked with special needs children in Washington Township School District and was the head coach for North Central High School’s diving team.
Sara is one of eight additions to the Ice Miller Public Affairs Team this year, including partner Jarrod Loadholt, who joined the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office in June. Sara also joins attorney Lacey Berkshire, Senior Director of Public Affairs Melissa Borom, attorney John B. Gregg and Director of Public Affairs Greg Stowers in the Firm’s Indianapolis office. In April, Ice Miller Strategies announced its strategic alliance with John Pence of Pence Strategy Group and the addition of principal Tim Day, who works in both D.C. and Columbus, Ohio.
Ice Miller Continues Public Affairs Growth; Welcomes Public Affairs Partner Sara Gonso Tait
Sara most recently served as executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, where she was the chief regulator of Indiana’s 13 casinos, an industry that brings in more than $500 million in tax revenue each year and employs more than 12,000 people. Appointed in June 2015 by Governor Eric Holcomb and reappointed in 2017, Sara managed an agency budget of $29 million and oversaw 240 Indiana Gaming Commission employees, including two police divisions. In 2018, Sara was recognized as Regulator of the Year in the America’s Category of International Masters of Gaming Law.
“Adding someone of Sara’s experience and reputation to our team will add even greater depth to our ability to serve and advise our clients on regulatory, compliance and business issues across the country,” said John Oberle, leader of Ice Miller’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Practice Groups. “Her proven record of success as a top regulator, innovator and a leader will bring new opportunities to our firm and a unique perspective to how we serve our clients.”
During her tenure at the Indiana Gaming Commission, Sara successfully oversaw and implemented significant modernization, growth, consolidation and investment in Indiana’s gaming industry. Sara’s ability to uphold strong regulatory standards led to the creation of a progressive and favorable regulatory market within the state. Specifically, she oversaw land-based casino openings, implemented new legislation, and introduced paid fantasy sports and cashless wagering. Under Sara’s leadership, Indiana also created a nationally recognized regulatory approach for sports betting launched on a tight timeline, which has resulted in an already booming sports betting market.
“Gaming, liquor and cannabis continue to be practice areas of significant growth at our firm so the timing of adding a seasoned regulatory leader to our team could not better,” said Oberle.
Sara began as a staff attorney with the Indiana Gaming Commission in 2011 and was quickly promoted to director of license control, charged with combating illegal gambling operations. She became the agency’s chief legal counsel in 2014, where she served until her appointment as executive director.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Sara attended Miami University in Ohio, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Sara attended the Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis and graduated with her juris doctor in 2010. Prior to attending law school, Sara worked with special needs children in Washington Township School District and was the head coach for North Central High School’s diving team.
Sara is one of eight additions to the Ice Miller Public Affairs Team this year, including partner Jarrod Loadholt, who joined the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office in June. Sara also joins attorney Lacey Berkshire, Senior Director of Public Affairs Melissa Borom, attorney John B. Gregg and Director of Public Affairs Greg Stowers in the Firm’s Indianapolis office. In April, Ice Miller Strategies announced its strategic alliance with John Pence of Pence Strategy Group and the addition of principal Tim Day, who works in both D.C. and Columbus, Ohio.
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