Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

Stephen was born in Sylva and now resides in Marble with his wife Erin and their children. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing Magic the Gathering. He has attended Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University where he studied History and Political Science.

Luke Buchanan is the Supervisor of Enforcement at the Murphy property. Luke currently holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Tri-County Community College. Luke has 22+ years in the gaming industry. Luke enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing golf with his wife Beth.

Jordan is an Enrolled Member of the EBCI & is thankful for being able to serve the community in his position. He holds a Certificate from SCC in Business Administration and is pursuing an associate degree. He served as a Police Officer with CIPD for several years before joining the Surveillance Dept. and then the Commission in 2019. Hobbies include spending time with his daughter, hiking, visiting breweries, touring waterfalls, outdoor photography, and volunteering with the MTS non-profit group.

Tina joined the Gaming Commission in 2015. Before coming to the Gaming Commission she worked for Harrahs Cherokee for a total of 14 years. Tina holds an Associates Degree in Information Technologies. She currently resides in Murphy with her husband Steve. She is a proud mother of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and cooking.

Tim joined the Commission in January 2015. Tim is a graduate of Pisgah High School and has a degree in Electronic Engineering. Tim worked at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino as a technician for three years. Tim spends his spare time in the outdoors as much as possible.

Frank joined the Gaming Commission in 2017 after 7 years employed as a Table Games Dealer and Supervisor. He now works towards obtaining his Financial Crimes Certification, specializing in Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Human Trafficking. A lifelong native of Northeastern, Ohio, Frank now resides in scenic Andrews, North Carolina with his wife, Amelia. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, grilling, reading, and fly-fishing.

Chris started in the Surveillance Department of Harrah's Valley River Casino and Hotel when the new property opened. Chris holds a Bachelor's and Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida. He enjoys Music and Hiking in his spare time.

David Started his career in 2016 as a Security Officer in Cherokee then transferred to the Surveillance Department as a Surveillance Officer. David then transferred to the Valley River Casino Surveillance Department in July of 2018. David joined the Commission in June of 2021. David is a Navy Veteran who enjoys spending time with his Wife and their Foster Children.

Nick joined the gaming commission in 2021. He has 7 years in the casino industry with both Harrah’s Cherokee properties. Nick has held positions in Security, Games Performance, and Table Games. Nick enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, and cooking.

Originally from South Carolina, Marty moved to Murphy for a fresh start after graduating Clemson University in 2014. Marty is a Navy Veteran as a Hospital Corpsman (FMF). He joined the Gaming Commission in 2022 after 7 years at HCVR in different departments including Surveillance, Caesar’s Rewards and Surveillance Technician. Marty now resides in Hayesville with his daughter Skylar. In his spare time Marty enjoys spending time with Family on Lake Chatuge.

Mike served 11 years active duty in the Army where he had 2 deployments to Iraq. After spending a year in the private contracting sector in Afghanistan he worked for the Rabun County Detention Center. In his spare time he loves spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids.