Eddie Ilko serves as Safety and Occupational Health Manager for the National Indian Gaming Commission, an independent federal regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior. In this position, Eddie provides expertise and guidance in the areas of Environmental, Public Health and Safety for the purpose of carrying out the Agency’s statutory requirements. Additionally, he will be available to provide technical assistance and training to tribal gaming regulatory authorities and operations. In addition to his external duties, Eddie will provide subject matter expertise and leadership for Safety and Occupational Health as it pertains to the health and safety of NIGC employees.

Prior to joining NIGC, Eddie served as Director of Risk Management and Safety, Safety Manager and Security Claims Manager for Sycuan Casino Resort where he developed a comprehensive Safety, Risk and Claims program that not only saved money but more importantly significantly reduced and prevented many guest and employee injuries. Eddie also served as Risk and Safety Manager for Pala Casino Spa and Resort where he became well versed with tribal casinos, governments and gaming commissions. He previously held voluntary positions when elected as the inaugural Chairman of the National Indian Casino Safety and Security Association (NICSSA), a professional network dedicated to the development of universal best practices and training for tribal casinos. He also previously served on the board of directors for the Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN) a non-profit association that provides regulatory outreach, training services and education for the tribal gaming industry and was a legal advisor for the Small Claims legal division of the San Diego Superior Court.

Eddie was recognized with the Shining Star Award, by Senator Anderson of El Cajon and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, for Human Trafficking outreach, awareness and education with the goal to eradicate it throughout the United States. Eddie is a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County mentoring disadvantaged youth, he also mentored high school kids in the San Diego County Teen Court program, participated in Stand Down and Feed San Diego.

In 2002 Eddie received a law degree from Western Sierra Law School in San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1994 from National University in San Diego. In 2016 he became an authorized OSHA trainer and in 2020 a Fire Inspector 1. He has conducted training and education in OSHA General Industry Safety, Active Shooter/Targeted Violence, Tort Claims, Emergency Management, Human Trafficking and received two commendation pins from the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA).