WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced that John Shelk, a former Republican Counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will join the AGA as an in-house lobbyist and legislative expert. He will officially join the AGA in mid to late February as a vice president.

Shelk most recently served as assistant general counsel and director of government affairs for ITT Corporation, where he was responsible for government relations with the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch agencies for ITT’s principal business groups: Sheraton Hotels, Caesars World, ITT Educational Services and ITT World Directories.

Prior to joining ITT, Shelk was assistant vice president and federal affairs counsel for ITT Hartford, a major insurance and financial services company.

Before his position as Republican Counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 1988 through 1992, Shelk was a private practice attorney with the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles, California.

“John’s broad legislative background and gaming industry experience will be a real asset to the AGA,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., AGA president & CEO. “He will strengthen the AGA’s bi-partisan lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and complete our in-house legislative team.”

Wally Chalmers, legislative expert and a former chief of staff to the Democratic National Committee, joined the AGA Jan. 5 as a vice president.

The AGA represents the gaming-entertainment industry by addressing regulatory, legislative and educational issues. The association serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops aggressive educational and advocacy programs and provides leadership in addressing industry issues that are of public concern.