2006 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Judy Patterson
Senior Vice President and Executive Director
American Gaming Association
"It's an exciting time to be involved in our industry, and we need leaders who know how to evolve right along with it." Patterson said.
These are the words of a true gaming professional: Judy Patterson, senior vice president and executive director of the American Gaming Association. Patterson knows that there is no luck in becoming successful in our industry: "It's no secret there is a direct correlation between higher education and earnings, and education is key to moving up in the gaming industry…spending the time and money to get that education is vital."
There are numerous opportunities for women—and men—to gain this much needed education outside of academia, as Patterson pointed out: "We specifically designed G2E to be a comprehensive education resource, and there are several other forums that can provide additional insights. It's also important to read industry publications and know what's going on in other segments of the business. The more education you can absorb and apply to your daily operations, the better your performance will be."
As a mother of two, Patterson knows that balance is essential between work and family—something that she has found both challenging and rewarding.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the AGA, Frank Fahrenkopf, witnessed Patterson's excellence at finding this balance and has seen her strength and commitment to the AGA: "In ten short years, Judy as been a major strategic force in preserving the interests of the commercial gaming industry. She also has made an indelible impact on the corporate responsibility of our industry by developing programs that help our companies promote responsible gaming among their customers, as well as integrate education and personal development opportunities for employees into their overall corporate strategies."
Patterson is perhaps one of the greatest responsible gaming pioneers in the world. She led the creation of the National Center for Responsible Gaming in 1996, as well as such longstanding industry-wide initiatives such as the Responsible Gaming National Education Campaign and Responsible Gaming Education Week.
Patterson's actions within the industry have proved her to be a devoted leader in helping to bring the gaming industry into the 21st century. From developing avenues to promote responsible gaming and diversity strategies, to helping establish the Global Gaming Expo as the top trade show in our industry, to providing her expertise on legislative and regulatory affairs, Patterson has proven her skills as a consensus-builder and true business leader.
For Patterson, finding the inspiration to preserve the gaming industry's interests is only a hand's length away: "What personally motivates me is working with people who come up with such creative ideas that I'm compelled to implement them. There are so many wonderful and extremely talented people in this industry."
Patterson is truly an inspiration to the future stars of our industry and offers this advice to up-and-coming female leaders of gaming: "I think women need to challenge themselves to break out of the job functions where women typically excel and spend the necessary time and money to get an advanced degree or take advantage of continuing education opportunities.
"In addition, you have to stay educated about what's going on in the industry—not only about the latest trends in your specific line of work, but also about the broader issues facing your company and the industry as a whole….Seek out people you admire, and read up on how they got where they are and network. Join membership organizations and attend events that allow you to meet the people in your field who could hold the keys to your future, or at least get you one step closer to the door."
Copyright 2011, Great Women of Gaming. All rights reserved.
