The Iowa Gaming Association’s (IGA) board of directors has named Mary Earnhardt as the next IGA president and CEO, effective Jan. 21. Earnhardt will replace Wes Ehrecke, who is retiring after 25 years in the role. The IGA is a nonprofit created in 1999 to support Iowa’s gaming industry. Earnhardt has served as chief of staff to Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver since 2018. Her other previous positions within the Iowa statehouse include senior aide to the Iowa Senate president, staff member of the Iowa House caucus, and state director for the Carly for America committee. Earnhardt also previously worked in government relations for PolicyWorks and Iowans for Tax Relief. “Earnhardt has strong experience in political, regulatory, media and public relations, and has demonstrated the ability to build relationships that are important to this position,” Nancy Ballenger, IGA chair and general manager of the Isle Casino in Bettendorf, said in a prepared statement.