Gene Whitehouse

Gene Whitehouse serves as Tribal Chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) Tribal Council, a position he has held since January 2013. Prior to his election, Chairman Whitehouse served two years as Tribal Secretary and six years as Council Member at Large.  

Prior to serving on Council, Chairman Whitehouse was actively involved in advancing the academic success of his Tribe’s youth by serving as a member of the UAIC Education Committee. He has also been a dedicated advocate of the Tribe’s Elders Clubhouse and its Tribal Historic Preservation Committee.

Chairman Whitehouse also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, one of the largest and most successful casinos in the nation – where he played an active management role in the 2010 casino/hotel expansion, and the UAIC Development Corporation. Chairman Whitehouse is also Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Chapa-De Indian Health Program, whose mission is to advance the health and well-being of American Indians and low-income individuals by providing convenient access to high-quality, compassionate care.

Chairman Whitehouse has traveled to Washington, D.C. and throughout California to promote cooperative and constructive relationships between tribal governments and California State and local governments. He is known for his advocacy for the preservation of Native American cultural sites and his opposition to off-reservation casinos.

Under his leadership, the UAIC has diversified its investments beyond casino gaming in order to protect the long-term interests of Tribal members.

Prior to joining the UAIC Tribal Council, Chairman Whitehouse was employed with AT&T Corporation and Lucent Technologies for 25 years and served as Warehouse Manager for Thunder Valley Casino Resort. 

Chairman Whitehouse maintains the home on the old Auburn Rancheria where his mom, Aileen Wallace, lived until her death.  Ms. Wallace was the granddaughter of Jim Dick, the last Maidu Headman (Chief).