She replaces outgoing Board Member Terry Johnson.
Watkins has spent the last five years as a practicing attorney with Pisanelli Bice PLLC. She has previously served as a judicial law clerk to retired Justice Michael L. Douglas of the Supreme Court of Nevada.
In 2020 Watkins became the first Black woman elected to the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors.
She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Michigan State University. She graduated from the University of Las Vegas with a master’s in criminal justice, Masters of Laws in gaming and regulation, Doctor of Philosophy in educational psychology and juris doctor.
“I am confident Brittnie is the right person for this crucial appointment,” Sisolak said in a statement. “Brittnie’s impressive educational background and legal experience in the gaming industry will make her an excellent addition to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board and to our State. As Nevada’s gaming industry continues to recover from the Pandemic, it’s critical that we remain the gold standard and operate with the highest integrity, and I am confident Brittnie will help us achieve that goal.”