2004 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader

Audrey S. Oswell

President and CEO
Resorts Atlantic City

 

In a town where a few companies control multiple properties, Resorts Atlantic City has remained independent under several owners since opening in May 1978. The "grande dame" by the ocean offered the first legalized casino under New Jersey's 1977 Casino Control Act.

Resorts President and Chief Operating Officer Audrey Oswell has held the position since 2000. Her most recent professional milestone is her election, effective January 2005, to the presidency of the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ). The CANJ represents nine operating casinos in Atlantic City and serves as a unified voice for the state's casino industry.

Oswell's early career path had a different direction. After teaching pre-kindergarten in Philadelphia in the 1970s, Oswell worked at Caesars in the food and beverage department in 1979. She commuted for several years between Atlantic City and Drexel University in Philadelphia, graduating with a marketing degree in 1990. During 20 years at Caesars, Oswell had several titles, including executive vice president and general manager, before her 1999 promotion to president. She left Caesars when Park Place Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) purchased the property and dismissed many senior executives in early January 2000. Oswell says, "I planned to take a well-deserved rest to analyze my options, but once word got out, the phone calls began. Two out-oftown companies attempted to recruit me, but I was not interested in relocating."

Resorts communicated an interest in hiring her, and Oswell was out of work for not even eight weeks when she began her new job as president and chief operating officer of Resorts.

Oswell recognized so many prospects in Atlantic City that there was no need to relocate. She says, "The Atlantic City casino industry has provided many great opportunities for success and career development for both men and women over the past 26 years. The Atlantic City market, as well as the gaming industry as a whole, has evolved into what it is today because the most qualified people are in leadership roles."

She faced challenges immediately, including the construction of a new tower and a major renovation on its existing building, which had infrastructure limitations. (The site was not intended to be a casino. Originally the Haddon Hall Hotel, the site was built before the construction of the famous Boardwalk in the late 1890s.) Last year, Resorts opened its long anticipated new Rendezvous tower.

Five years later, Resorts is again changing. Oswell is steering Resorts towards continued growth by introducing new features to the site, including beach bars and high caliber restaurants.

Oswell had limited options in a new industry in the late 1970s, and succeeded in becoming one of Atlantic City's gaming leaders. She has a real passion for the gaming industry, and she claims that three people mentored her the most along the way.

"Nicholas Ribis, one of the gaming industry's great visionaries, has been a tremendous supporter of me and the entire team at Resorts Atlantic City. In the early years of my career, Terry Lanni and Peter Boynton were great role models, as they were strong leaders who encouraged the professional growth and career adv ancement of all employees," says Oswell. Today's young people, regardless of their gender, have multiple choices as they enter the industry. She urges them to view their work as more than a job. Oswell suggests, "I would advise young women the same as young men: to listen, to learn and to take risks. If an opportunity arises, they should be unafraid to leap into the unknown. No risk often means no reward. Most of all, work should be fun. If they don't enjoy what they do, what's the point in doing it?"

Prior generations can teach the most important lessons. Oswell says, "I recommend that younger workers listen to those who came before them, who are eager to provide valuable insight and helpful advice. They must continue to learn. Whether it's on the job or in the classroom, being more knowledgeable in the field adds to an employee's value."

Fortunately, Oswell has had equal opportunity in Atlantic City. She says, "Gender has never been an issue for me during my career. I have always focused on succeeding at the task at hand, to learn from my experiences and to set new goals. I believe that remaining focused and not distracted by uncontrollable issues leads to success. We must all know what we know and what we don't know, while not being afraid to ask questions."

Oswell enjoys the camaraderie of working with many competent women in Atlantic City. She says, "Women lead onethird of the properties, and there are many women in influential management positions in marketing, casino operations and hotel operations. Women leaders and managers in the gaming industry continue to make their mark. It's a great time to be a part of the casino gaming industry, and the future is a bright one for those who are willing to work hard, regardless of gender."


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