Ricky Sylestine
Tribal Council Chairman, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Ricky Sylestine serves as the Tribal Council Chairman of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, a position he assumed in January 2023 after being elected by the tribal membership. In this capacity, he leads the tribe’s governmental affairs and oversees its primary revenue source, Naskila Casino, located in Livingston, Texas.
Sylestine has been a vocal advocate for tribal sovereignty and economic development. He has publicly supported the expansion of the tribe’s gaming facilities, including the opening of a temporary casino in summer 2024 and the announcement of plans for a new casino resort in April 2024. These initiatives aim to strengthen the tribe’s financial independence and provide jobs for its members.
He frequently represents the tribe in legal and regulatory matters, most notably in the U.S. Supreme Court case that affirmed the tribe’s right to offer bingo games. Sylestine also communicates regularly with the National Indian Gaming Commission to ensure compliance. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex federal and state legal frameworks.
Before becoming chairman, Sylestine served as a member of the Tribal Council. His professional background also includes a long tenure in the paper industry, though specific dates of that career are not widely published. His combined experience in governance, advocacy, and industry informs his approach to leading the tribe’s government and enterprise.