2004 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Dianne Wyss
Casino & Industry Relations
National Indian Gaming Association
Just a few moments with Dianne Wyss
will tell you that she has brains and a strong
business sense. Ask her about herself, and
you'll find that those qualities have taken
her from the Southern Plains of Oklahoma,
where she spent her formative years, all the
way to Washington, DC. "My family always
encouraged me to explore the world," she
says, "and to value people and experiences."
Her career began a physical therapist,
and "along the way (I) picked up an MBA
with a Finance concentration," says Wyss.
In the world of big business, she worked in
coal technology development; during down
times in energy economics, she worked for
the NCAI as a volunteer membership and
meeting coordinator. "When NIGA opened
its DC office in 1993, I worked to develop
the trade show and subsequently the
Department of Casino & Industry Relations
to provide training resources and networking
services to our members and industry
supporters. My real drive is to create and
build new things—products and services
that help our members and supporters
advance in the industry."
She has a solid definition of success, and
it belies the traditional image of her role in
what has become a very strong lobbying
force in the nation's capital. "Success to me
means that I am able to do work that is personally
meaningful and rewarding," says
Wyss. "In Indian gaming it is a wonderful
experience to work with extremely dedicated
individuals who want to do the best job
possible for their communities."
In fact, when Wyss muses about
power—which not surprisingly comes up
for her, given her political surroundings—it
does not occur to her in terms of individual
advancement. "Power is such a multifaceted
concept," she says. "The complexity of the
gaming business requires the interaction
and cooperation of many, many powerful,
capable people to advance prosperity and
achievement in Indian Country."
While acknowledging the traits needed
to "get ahead," Wyss is deferential about
her gender; she is clearly comfortable with
the present in terms of being a woman in
gaming. "In this day and time, being a reliable,
resourceful person is the difference in
the world of gaming," she says. "Gender differences
are not apparent to me. I see
women pursuing gaming careers that match
their personal and professional needs. It is
the personal choice of vocation and a willingness
to work hard and serve that are the
success factors I believe in."
Clearly, and fortunately, that optimistic
assessment springs from the industry segment
that Wyss serves. "Indian gaming is a
different industry than Las Vegas or Atlantic
City gaming," she says. "Tribal governments
are run by men and women, and that balanced
influence can been seen in the management
structure of most of the Indian
gaming properties. I don't see barriers to
advancement for women in Indian gaming."
"If I am considered successful," she says,
"I hope that it is because I am able to connect
people and resources for the betterment
of both."
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