He also served as the Executive Director of the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission for over twenty years.

He continued working as "Chief Henry" for over 35 years and became famous appearing on TV shows, postcards, and was the subject of an article in National Geographic.

In January 1988, Lambert finished his tour of duty and returned home to serve six years in the Individual Ready Reserve.

Returning to Tennessee, Lambert finished his undergraduate work where he earned his dual degrees, BS Sociology and an AS in Criminology, graduating in 1989.

Lambert led the Tribe as legal counsel from in 1994 to 1996 and during his tenure was able to complete the first Tribal State Gaming Compact and the first contract negotiations with a major gaming company to finance and manage a new casino that has proven to be worth billions to his Tribe.

Lambert retired in January 2015 after 22 years as executive director of the Tribal Gaming Commission.

As a candidate for chief, Lambert said he would start an office of employee rights, deal with the tribe's drug problem, focus on tourism and its economic benefits, and protect the rights of the people as a sovereign nation.