Gaming Control Board recognizes Lamar Poole, welcomes Secretary Nelson’s designee Mikael Hennigan
October 16, 2025 | 2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana
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At its Oct. 16, 2025 meeting, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board recognized departing member Lamar Poole and introduced Mikael Hennigan as the designee for Secretary Nelson.
Chairman Hebert opened the board’s public comment period and then thanked Mr. Lamar Poole for his service, saying the board expressed “sincere appreciation” for Poole’s “professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast devotion to ensuring fairness and accountability within Louisiana's gaming industry.” The chairman said Poole’s “thoughtful insight and contributions have helped strengthen the board's mission of maintaining a well regulated, responsible, and transparent gaming environment.”
The board then heard introductory remarks about Mikael Hennigan. Chairman Hebert said Hennigan is “a lifelong leader, entrepreneur and community advocate raised in Alexandria, Louisiana,” and summarized a biography provided to the board: Hennigan graduated from Bolton High School and McNeese State University with a bachelor of science in psychology; began ministry work in 1997 in Dequinchey, Louisiana, later served in pastoral roles in Dallas, Texas, and San Francisco, California; founded Velveteen Rescue, a nonprofit horse and donkey sanctuary on 200 acres in Central Louisiana, in 2023; and works as a business strategist and coach for women. The record reflects that the designee for Secretary Nelson was present.
No formal action regarding appointments was recorded in the transcript excerpt. The board proceeded to other agenda items after the introduction.
Chairman Hebert opened the board’s public comment period and then thanked Mr. Lamar Poole for his service, saying the board expressed “sincere appreciation” for Poole’s “professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast devotion to ensuring fairness and accountability within Louisiana's gaming industry.” The chairman said Poole’s “thoughtful insight and contributions have helped strengthen the board's mission of maintaining a well regulated, responsible, and transparent gaming environment.”
The board then heard introductory remarks about Mikael Hennigan. Chairman Hebert said Hennigan is “a lifelong leader, entrepreneur and community advocate raised in Alexandria, Louisiana,” and summarized a biography provided to the board: Hennigan graduated from Bolton High School and McNeese State University with a bachelor of science in psychology; began ministry work in 1997 in Dequinchey, Louisiana, later served in pastoral roles in Dallas, Texas, and San Francisco, California; founded Velveteen Rescue, a nonprofit horse and donkey sanctuary on 200 acres in Central Louisiana, in 2023; and works as a business strategist and coach for women. The record reflects that the designee for Secretary Nelson was present.
No formal action regarding appointments was recorded in the transcript excerpt. The board proceeded to other agenda items after the introduction.
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