By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Kirstin Lowry Sommers has been named general counsel of Seneca Gaming Corp., which she had served as acting general counsel for the past three months.

She replaces Lee Shannon, who left last year and returned to the Pacific Northwest.

Seneca Gaming is the casino operations arm of the Seneca Nation of Indians. It operates Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo and Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca.

Lowry Sommers will oversee legal processes, policies and actions on behalf of the company and its board of directors. That includes negotiating contracts and handling risk-management issues, compliance and regulatory oversight.

"Kirstin's insight and leadership have been tremendously valuable to Seneca Gaming Corp.'s efforts over the past year to position the company for continued growth and success," said Cathy Walker, president and chief executive officer. "Her grasp of the many important issues that impact our business has earned the trust and respect of our board of directors and our senior management team."

An enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Lowry Sommers had a private practice and served as of counsel at the law firm of Hurwitz & Fine PC in Buffalo. She also was a litigation associate with Nixon Peabody.

She said: "I have been incredibly impressed with the company's operation and its leadership position within the gaming industry and the local economy."

A resident of Orchard Park, she counsels clients on American Indian law and policy. She also has worked with clients on Native American and minority business enterprises, focusing on general business matters, government contracting and compliance.

She has represented clients in New York State Court, U.S. Federal Court and Seneca Nation of Indians courts. She is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and the University at Buffalo School of Law.