2009 Great Women of Gaming

Decades ago, a woman running one of the largest companies in gaming was unheard of. But today, it’s a reality. In an industry predominately populated by men, women must stand out, work hard and stick to their guns. From CEOs and presidents, to directors, VPs and even one of the first female dealers on the Strip, these are the trail-blazing women of gaming.

The 2009 Great Women of Gaming winners are truly inspirational—and their stories captivated us and our judges. So much so that for the first year ever, we have 11 women honored for the awards due to a deadlock decision.

Now in its fifth year, the awards are broken down into two categories: Proven Leaders and Rising Stars. To qualify as a Proven Leader, candidates must have worked in the gaming industry for a minimum of 10 years and have been in their current position for at least one year. They must also work for a gaming industry company and hold a position of director of higher. To qualify as a Rising Star, candidates must have worked in the gaming industry for a minimum of three years and have been in their current position for at least one year. They must also work for a gaming industry company and hold a position of manager or higher. Candidates in each category needed to demonstrate exceptional achievement in at least three of the following areas: ability to go above and beyond job responsibilities; commitment to company and co-workers; contributions to the industry as a whole; commitment to mentoring; and strong overall life balance.

The judging committee tasked with the difficult job of making a decision on our winners from all the nominees was made up of former Great Women of Gaming award winners and other industry leaders. They included: Cath Burns, VP of Asia Pacific/Managing Director, Bally Technologies; Dona Cassese, Creative Director of Global Marketing Communications and Operations, Aristocrat Americas; Tracey Chernay, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, TransAct Technologies; Christie Eickelman, Director of Worldwide Marketing, Gaming Laboratories International; Libby Francisco, COO, Tohono O’odam Nation; Sheila Morago, Executive Director, Arizona Indian Gaming Commission; Jennifer Roberts, Attorney At Law-Associate Attorney, Lionel Sawyer & Collins; Linda Roe, VP of Business Development, Thalden•Boyd•Emery Architects; Kate Spilde, Managing Director, Center for California Native Nations; and Claudia Winkler, President, GHI Solutions.

And so, we announce the 11 women who we have deemed to be our 2009 Great Women of Gaming award winners.

The six women honored as Proven Leaders are: Patty Coaley, Director of Organizational Development, Excalibur Hotel & Casino; Linda Devine, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Barona Resort & Casino; Tina Kilmer, Vice President of Product Compliance, Bally Technologies; Toni Martinez, Vice President of Western Region Sales, International Game Technology; Lorraine Nevins, Director of Slot Operations, Mohegan Sun Casino; and Debra Nutton, Senior Vice President, Casino Operations, MGM Grand.

The 2009 Great Women of Gaming Rising Stars are: Madilenia B. Chavarillo, Executive Director of Gaming Operations, Sky Ute Casino Resort; Patti S. Hart, Chief Executive Officer, President, International Game Technology; Elaine A. Hodgson, Chief Executive Officer, President, Incredible Technologies; Melonie D. Johnson, Vice President of Finance, Harrah’s Entertainment; and Denyse S. Moore, Senior Director, Client Services West, Bally Technologies.

Read on to find out more about these amazing women and what each of them has done to better the gaming industry. They’ve learned valuable lessons on their journey to the top, so read on to benefit from their challenges, accomplishments and advice.

To read the full feature article on Casino Enterprise Management, visit www.casinoenterprisemanagement.com.
And to hear podcasts featuring thoughts from the 2009 Great Women of Gaming themselves, listen to their advice and industry insights.