2006 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Marilyn Winn
Regional President
Bally's, Paris, and Rio Las Vegas
Never forget where you came from."
In an industry with roots some wish to hide, these words of Marilyn Winn's resound with much-needed truth—facing your past, whether it be good or bad, and using it to help your future is a true trait of a successful leader.
For the past 18 years, Marilyn Winn has used her roots to become an instrumental force behind many of Harrah's Entertainment hottest properties. She currently serves as regional president for Bally's, Paris, and Rio Las Vegas. But, this is not the only position she has held over those 18 years. She has been a training manager, HR manager, cashier manager, HR director, HR VP, slot director, general manager, and SVP HR.
Tim Wilmott, chief operating officer Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. nominated Winn for the Great Women of Gaming Awards, and therefore knows what kind of a successful woman she has always been: "Marilyn truly excels through her contribution to the industry as a whole. She has served the industry, not just Las Vegas, with one of the most flexible and talented skill sets of any leader I have ever encountered—male or female.
"It is rare to come across a leader able to consistently outperform in such a wide range of roles, situations, and geographies. She has drive, talent, and the ability to articulate informed opinions that can win over even the staunchest skeptic.
Winn recognized her firm belief in perseverance has helped her achieve these successes: "Rarely do ideas get adopted the first time they are presented. Rarely does everyone agree with you or your decisions. Rarely do you hit a home run each time you're at bat. Without perseverance, you would be abandoning many great ideas that just need some more time."
Tom Jenkin, president, western division, Harrah's Entertainment, also spoke to the amazing example Winn has set for everyone in the industry: "Possessing the ability to engage on problems at the deepest and most substantive level coupled with an unwavering sense of professionalism, Marilyn's advice and mentoring has been sought by many of her colleagues, including myself."
Perhaps one of the reasons the people who surround her have so many good things to say is that she doesn't take her accomplishments for granted and is quick to vocalize her true inspirations: "I am motivated most by the quality of the staff that I work with. I am blessed to interact with the best in the gaming business…people who are passionate about customer service, entrepreneurship, and profitability. These individuals make me want to be the best that I can be. They inspire me."
Winn has high hopes for the gaming industry and is a strong believer in diversity: "When the team's focus becomes an issue that everyone is trying to solve, the personal differences melt away. This leads to employees questioning the stereotypes they have previously held. This can change belief systems…this can create a workplace where differences are perceived to be strengths."
Copyright 2011, Great Women of Gaming. All rights reserved.
