2009 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader

Lorraine Nevins

Director of Slot Operations
Mohegan Sun Casino

 

Lorraine Nevins' passion for her job, co-workers, and community is evident. Though her own accomplishments on the job are impressive, she still credits the whole team. With a solid base given to her from her parents and a mentor watching out for her, it's no wonder that this woman is so accomplished.

Nevins grew up in New York City, where she stayed until the age of 20. Her parents owned a salon business, where she was exposed to the pride and dedication that they had for that endeavor. "I learned a lot about how I wanted to conduct myself, based on their example," she said.

She then moved on to many successful ventures in several non-gaming industries including being a builder, land developer, restaurant owner and operator, and a real estate broker. In 1992, she entered the gaming industry as a slot attendant at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. She moved on to slot shift manager at Grand Palais riverboat in New Orleans, ultimately landing at Mohegan Sun as director of slot operations where she oversees 300-plus employees—an interesting feat for someone who had never played a slot machine before.

"I was at a point in my life where I wanted to reinvent myself, challenge myself and be able to move into a direction that was going to be fast-paced as well as rewarding," she said. "The casino industry looked like a perfect fit."

And those at Mohegan Sun would probably agree, as Nevins has worked to institute policies in the best interests of everyone at the property. One of these would be a toke rate—or a shared pool of tips—for the slot attendants.

Nevins truly values and cares for every team member, which is evident in her response to what she likes best about the gaming industry. "I love to see good people being able to show their value and be rewarded for it. I love the ability to mentor people and help them to be able to reach heights that they didn't know were possible. Days can be filled with laughter, and the outcome of a meeting can be a worthwhile exchange of ideas where everybody felt respected and valued."

Nevins credits the strong corporate culture at Mohegan Sun as a guiding principle for the way she does business and deals with people. The property is routinely recognized as having exemplary slot service, which is likely also in part to Nevins' own hard work. But despite all the good in our industry, she'd like to see it move in a more hospitality-centric focus. "I would love to see the levels of service rise above what it is today, creating an atmosphere where other industries look to ours to try to figure out how we are doing what we do, and trying to emulate it," she commented. "I would love to see the advances in technology come in and remove some of the tasks that get in our way of blowing away our customers. There's so many ways that we can improve our offerings; we just have to stay focused on the idea of hospitality and entertainment being delivered in a world-class setting."

One of the people in Nevins' life who serves as a mentor is Frank Neborsky, vice president of slot operations at Mohegan Sun, whom she met when she started as a slot attendant. "He noticed the work that I was doing, and he noticed the attention to detail that I approach tasks with," she explained. Neborsky invited Nevins to develop two new riverboat casinos in Louisiana, which she accepted. When Neborsky moved to Connecticut to start a new casino in Uncasville, he again offered her the chance to further her career. "I moved to New England, started working for the Mohegan Sun, and I continue to learn from him to this day," she said.

And the knowledge Nevins gleaned from Neborsky is put to use in her own role as a leader. Of Nevins, Neborsky said: "As director, Lorraine has been able to train and mentor her staff to the pinnacle of their abilities. No task is ever too large or too small for Lorraine. No matter what she does, Lorraine approaches her responsibilities, her work and her life with unyielding dedication and devotion for perfection."

When it comes to Nevins' non-work life, the personal accomplishment closest to her heart is also one of the biggest challenges she faces today—her family. "I am most proud of the influence that I have had over my children," she said. "They are both strong and capable leaders within their community. Most important, however, is that they are both, good, kind and compassionate parents to their own children." On the other hand, she struggles with the distance from her family. "Living in New England and having family spread out from New York to California to Florida makes things personally hard. Modern communication tools can make it a little easier, but nothing really replaces quality time with your family."

Nevins responded to her award with surprise. She said: "Mohegan Sun makes an award like this happen. This was a group effort, for which I have been nominated and awarded. It did not happen because of me; it happened because of the element of teamwork that exists within Mohegan Sun. Hard work can get you noticed, but having great people around you will always make you better if you let it. Being respected by your peers is an honor that cannot be described in words, simply felt in your heart."

Nevins is inspired by watching a project's life. "I love to see resolution," she explained. "I love to be able to watch something unfold and develop, take shape and form. This is true in both my professional life, as well as my personal endeavors. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with doing a job well. I believe that that pride—that feeling of accomplishment—is the thing that separates good results from great results."

And good women from great women. AH


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