ABOUT

Mark A. Weitz, J.D., PhD

Insurance Commissioner

Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1983 and in Florida since 1988, Mr. Weitz is experienced in insurance law, health law, and civil litigation.

As the former counsel to the Insurance Liquidator of Texas and a former insurance company executive, he has represented a diverse client base in a wide range of insurance and corporate-related areas, both domestically and internationally. With years of insurance experience and familiarity with industry issues from initial start-up to all aspects of operation, Mr. Weitz has worked with companies on matters of legal compliance, reinsurance, agent issues, policy interpretation, and if necessary, matters pertaining to solvency, including rehabilitation and/or receivership.

Since 2000, he has been actively involved in the captive insurance industry, representing captive managers and forming captive companies for clients. He has extensive experience interacting with regulators within the United States and offshore, including the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

In May of 2024, Mr. Weitz secured a coveted oral argument at the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, achieving a significant milestone in tax law related to captive insurance companies.

Steven Drew Word, CFE

Director of Operations

Steven Drew Word, CFE is a seasoned executive leader, forensic accounting specialist, and operational strategist with more than two decades of experience helping Tribal governments strengthen financial performance, modernize operations, and build sustainable economic growth. Throughout his career, he has collaborated closely with Tribal councils, enterprise boards, and executive leadership to develop and execute strategies that advance business performance while protecting Tribal sovereignty and community priorities.

Drew currently serves as Director of Operations for the Modoc Nation, where he oversees enterprise operations. In this role, he works directly with Tribal leadership to develop and implement financial strategies, operational policies, and performance metrics that enhance transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making. His work includes advanced financial modeling, treasury reporting, budgeting, and the integration of business intelligence tools that enable leadership to make data-driven decisions.

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) since 2006, Drew brings deep expertise in forensic accounting, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and financial controls. His background in forensic analysis and internal investigations has helped organizations safeguard assets, strengthen internal controls, and maintain compliance within highly regulated industries such as Tribal government and gaming.

In addition to his government leadership experience, Drew is the Co-Founder and former COO/CFO of Casino Cash Trac, a financial technology company that developed innovative software solutions used by hundreds of casinos worldwide to automate revenue auditing and cash management processes. His work helped modernize financial operations across the gaming industry while improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.

Drew has also held senior executive roles, including President of Gaming Operations, General Manager, and Chief Financial Officer, within Tribal gaming enterprises. Across these roles, he has consistently delivered measurable results improving profitability, implementing operational efficiencies, strengthening regulatory compliance, and guiding organizations through periods of transformation and growth.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and operational insight, Drew frequently serves on Tribal enterprise and governance boards where he contributes expertise in financial oversight, risk management, and long-term strategic planning. His career reflects a commitment to helping Tribal governments build resilient enterprises, diversify revenue streams, achieve lasting financial success, and help protect and strengthen Tribal Sovereignty.