Washington, DC  – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the hiring of Eloy Martinez as senior director of government relations. In this role, Martinez will work to advance AGA’s public policy, political and advocacy agendas. He will also work closely with congressional coalitions and caucuses on matters related to diversity and community and social responsibility. Martinez’s first day with AGA is today.

“Eloy brings to AGA a wealth of experience and relationships from Capitol Hill,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “He will play a crucial role in forming new coalitions and in educating elected officials about the strong community partnerships we’ve developed – and our role as an economic engine – in 40 states across the country.”

“I’m excited to get to work building more champions for an industry that provides a path to the middle class for hundreds of thousands of workers,” said Martinez. “Members of Congress and staffers on Capitol Hill have taken note of the new AGA as an incredibly effective, smart and proud advocate for the gaming industry, and I look forward to further advancing AGA’s strategic goals.”

Martinez, a Texas native, spent the last seven years working on Capitol Hill, principally in the U.S. Senate. Most recently, he served as director of outreach and as staff director for the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee under the leadership of Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Chairs Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mark Begich (D-AK). 

AGA has also added former Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford as a strategic communications consultant who will help with corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, including diversity and workforce development.

“Congressman Horsford will play a key role in guiding our efforts on diversity and CSR both within the industry and as we educate elected officials about the opportunities we provide to people of all backgrounds and experiences,” said Freeman.

“Diversity and equal opportunity are critical to the success of the casino gaming industry,” said Horsford. “I look forward to helping to shape CSR policies and practices employed by gaming companies and ensuring policymakers know that casinos are good corporate citizens.”

Earlier this year, Horsford formed R&R Resources+, an independently-owned Minority Business Enterprise. The agency consists of a team of professionals who specialize in strategic communications, brand management, public relations, social media, media planning and placement, as well as workforce strategy and CSR. The firm maintains offices in Prince George’s County, Maryland; Washington, DC; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states.  AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry.  It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.