Aarskaug, Melissa
Melissa Aarskaug is a gaming consultant, strategic advisor, author, and speaker who helps gaming executives and tribal leaders solve complex business problems, evaluate technology investments, and move strategic priorities forward. Her work connects growth strategy, cybersecurity, and AI governance with the decisions leaders make about risk, resources, and organizational performance.
Drawing on her executive leadership experience, Melissa brings expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, and contract negotiations. She helps leaders identify blind spots, ask better questions, and align people, technology, and investments with business goals.
Melissa is the founder and host of The Executive Connect Experience and a frequent industry speaker and moderator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with minors in Business and Mathematics.
Her approach: See it. Solve it. Move it.
Aluri, Ajay
Dr. Ajay Aluri is an Associate Professor in the Hardy Family Hospitality and Tourism Management program at West Virginia University and Founding Director of the Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology (HIT) Lab. A recognized leader in hospitality technology, he serves on global boards, including HFTP, and on advisory councils for Hospitality Executive, Hospitality Technology, and MURTEC. His research focuses on emerging technologies—AI, automation, AR, and robotics—and their impact on operations and guest experiences. Widely published and honored with numerous awards, Dr. Aluri was named among the Top 100 Most Powerful People in U.S. Hospitality and Top 25 Most Influential Educators by the International Hospitality Institute.
Arpin, Rick
Rick Arpin is the Managing Partner of the Las Vegas office of KPMG. He is a seasoned finance and operations executive with deep gaming, hospitality, sports, and entertainment experience.
Carrier, Ryan
Ryan Carrier is the Area Vice President – Gaming for Agilysys, a leading provider of hospitality technology for more than 40 years, delivering state-of-the-art hospitality software solutions and services that help organizations go beyond what they can accomplish with traditional solutions. He has served as a gaming-industry panel member and speaker in multiple engagements during his tenure at Agilysys.
Benoit-Kurtz, Stephanie
Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz is a Las Vegas native that brings over 25 years of industry experience in Information Technology and Security Solutions and Consulting. Stephanie’s expertise spans multiple areas within compliance and a broad swath of technology and security disciplines, in addition to having held numerous leadership positions in these areas. Stephanie specializes in working with clients to educate, instruct, and inspire them to understand risks, security posture, and devise methods to protect data, infrastructure and realize value through the enablement of security technology, processes, and principles. In her spare time, Stephanie teaches graduate and undergraduate IT and Cybersecurity Courses as Lead Faculty for the University of Phoenix. She also serves on the board of ITWorks, an organization in Las Vegas, that assists disadvantaged youth gain IT skills that create opportunities and change lives. Stephanie holds several industry certifications and an MBA. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Information Technology, emphasizing Cybersecurity and Data Assurance.
Bouschor, Shannon
Shannon Bouschor is the COO of TribalHub, the makers of the TribalNet conference and the largest community of technology-minded professionals from Tribes across the United States. In her long-standing role, she has spent more than two decades working in Indian Country, supporting collaboration, connection, leading events, programs and initiatives.
Braun, Michael
Brown, Fred
Fred Brown is a veteran technology executive, business leader, and industry strategist with more than three decades of experience driving innovation across complex organizations and building culture-driven, results-oriented teams. He serves as CIO of Virtual Procurement Services (VPS) and CTO of the Group Savings Organization (GSO), where he defines technology and product strategy, oversees software development and cybersecurity, and partners with executive leadership in gaming and hospitality and healthcare to strengthen operational performance and advance digital evolution.
Previously, Brown served as Global CIO and Senior Vice President of IT for Mohegan, where he led digital transformation during a period of rapid expansion, establishing a global shared services IT model and modernizing the technology portfolio through market disruption and innovation.
A long-standing board member of Gaming & Leisure®, Brown is a recognized thought leader in leadership, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI integration within the gaming and hospitality industry.
Capozzi, Marco
Vice President of Security Technology and R&D , GLI.
Marco Capozzi is a seasoned cybersecurity and compliance leader with deep expertise in audit, testing, and risk management. He leads initiatives focused on information security assurance, regulatory compliance, and software quality best practices, helping organizations strengthen operational integrity across complex technology environments.
He brings extensive international experience managing security audits, compliance assessments, and testing programs across Europe. His work spans multiple jurisdictions, where he has guided organizations through evolving regulatory landscapes and implemented frameworks aligned with technical standards and best practices. He is skilled in developing audit methodologies, leading change management and risk assessment programs, and delivering insights that enhance security posture and operational resilience.
With a strong technical foundation, Marco has executed a wide range of software and hardware testing approaches, including black box, white box, unit, and integration testing. He is experienced in identifying vulnerabilities, improving quality assurance processes, and driving continuous improvement. His background also includes supporting enterprise network operations, including configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Marco holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” specializing in systems engineering and optimization models. Additionally, Marco holds multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE).
Additional details and contact information are available at LinkedIn.
Carlson, Steve
Steve Carlson President of Rippe Associates a national foodservice design and consulting firm that provides comprehensive planning, operational assessment, and design services to a variety of foodservice operations.
Carrier, Ryan
Ryan Carrier is the Director of Casino Resorts for Agilysys, a leading provider of hospitality technology for more than 40 years, delivering digital guest engagement solutions for gaming enterprises around the world. He has served as a gaming-industry panel member and speaker in multiple engagements during his tenure at Agilysys.
Caruso, Michael
Michael Caruso has over 30 years of experience in enterprise sales and solution delivery. Michael is a thought leader and trusted advisor helping bring valuable insight to hospitality & gaming organizations through revenue growth and digital transformation. Michael has worked closely with IT leaders to help adapt and change their their technology strategies that results in meaningful customer experience upgrades. Michael currently works for BluIP a cloud telecom and Agentic AI company. Previously Michael worked as a Managing Partner at Info-Tech and sales and leadership positions with Oracle, Infor and over 20 years with Agilysys.
Caruso, Talia
Talia Caruso currently works in Operations and Marketing at Gaming & Leisure while pursuing her degree in Marketing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she is part of the Honors Program, ALD Scholars, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Known for her determination and strong work ethic, Talia excels at understanding and assisting in challenging areas of work. She creates, designs, and publishes marketing and social media content with a focus on clarity, creativity, and impact. Passionate about driving innovation in the gaming and hospitality space, Talia continues to grow as a marketing professional while contributing to brand development and strategic outreach. To connect, please reach out to Talia@mygamingandleisure.com.
Day, Michael
Michael Day is the Founder and Executive Officer of TribalHub, which includes TribalNet, TribalFocus, TribalWise and TribalValue. Prior to his current position, Michael was the CIO and Director of Consulting Services for Cannery Casino Resorts, which grew from two to four gaming and hotel properties in Nevada and Pennsylvania during his tenure. Cannery also offered and delivered consulting services to tribal casinos.
DeMarinis, Don
Don DeMarinis is the Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Americas for Agilysys, a leading provider of hospitality technology for more than 40 years. Since joining the organization in January 2018, Don has been driving the organization’s growth and expansion across gaming and hospitality markets. Don previously served as Vice President, Sports & Entertainment, Foodservice Management globally at Oracle/MICROS, and as Vice President, Leisure & Entertainment at MICROS prior to its acquisition by Oracle. During his tenure, Don led sales growth of 30% per year for the Leisure & Entertainment group, focusing on food & beverage relationships within North American-based hotels, sports & entertainment, stadiums, casinos, cruises and amusement parks. With his extensive industry experience and a track record of delivering technology and services to global clients, Don is passionate about helping casino resorts enhance the guest experience through collaboration and the use of technology.
Dutto, Alessandro
Alessandro Dutto serves as a Security Technology Solution Architect at GLI Secure, leading global audit teams that deliver comprehensive information security and risk assessments across ISO 27001, PCI DSS, ISAE, and related standards. With over 25 years in information technology and more than 10 years focused on security and compliance, he combines technical depth with regulatory insight to drive meaningful risk reduction. Known for developing high-performing, cross-functional teams, Alessandro partners with organizations to enhance their security posture, compliance maturity, and assurance strategies.
Essig, Dr. Mike
Dr. Mike has worked many years, maybe too many, in the hospitality industry. Starting in the hotel/timeshare space, he moved into technology working for a software vendor before switching sides to move into the casino realm. He has been part of a variety of property openings, including the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Sunset Station, and Green Valley Ranch, as well as expansions at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas (now Virgin Hotels) and Choctaw Casinos, acquisitions (Aquarius Hotel), and asset sales (Tropicana). He has worked for single property, riverboat, Native American, and multi-state/jurisdictional casino organizations. What hasn’t he done? Dr. Mike earned Bachelors (‘93) and Masters (’05) Degrees from UNLV, in Hospitality Management and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University (‘14). Possessing some kind of sick devotion to the Chicago Cubs, he is an expert with the IBM i server, heavy metal music, the aforementioned Northside of Chicago baseball club, and ethical challenges encountered by casino technology professionals. Go Cubs!
Fagan, Rory
Rory leads Oracle’s North American casino vertical, where he delivers tailored, industry-specific technology solutions that address complex business challenges. He brings extensive experience from the global gaming and travel sectors, having previously served as Global Head of Casino Sales at Duetto. Earlier in his career, Rory held senior sales management roles with leading companies including SAS, Hertz, United Airlines, and Sabre Hotel Solutions.
This diverse background has shaped Rory’s deep domain expertise in the intersection of technology, business strategy, and customer engagement across the travel and hospitality industries. He holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.B.A. from Rice University.
Fancourt, Mark
Mark Fancourt is a career hospitality & travel professional. He has lived & worked all over the world in a 30+ year career spanning operations, technology and management consulting. Today he leads the business of TRAVHOTECH. The next generation technology consultant for the modern hospitality & travel world.
TRAVHOTECH is a premier global consultancy dedicated to empowering the hospitality and travel sectors through strategic technology integration and business transformation. TRAVHOTECH operates on the principle that technology, when viewed as a competitive advantage, is the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency, guest experience, and profitability. TRAVHOTECH provides unparalleled consulting, advisory, and mentoring services. The firm specializes in bridging the gap between complex technological capabilities and practical business needs, ensuring solutions are not just innovative but also deliver tangible, sustainable differentiation for its clients.
Mark has been recognised as one of the Top 25 Outstanding Minds in Sales, Marketing, Revenue and Distribution by HSMAI. He volunteers his time to several causes. His own non-profit, Testbed Vegas focused on growth of the technology sector in Las Vegas. He is a past board member of Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP) focused on career development for industry leadership and production of the industry technology conference, HITEC. Mark regularly lectures to undergraduate and graduate students in hospitality and provides mentorship to a range of start-up and scale up technology companies through various forums including HFTP, Techstars and E20X.
Farber, Benjamin
Benjamin Farber is President of Bristol Associates. With 20 years of experience recruiting key executive and management-level roles for all verticals, Ben has completed hundreds of placements around the world. And as one of the top consultants in the field, he is well-versed in all areas of executive search, including compensation analysis and contract negotiations. For employer or candidate inquiries, email Ben at bfarber@bristolassoc.com.
Fiel, Larry M.
Fueled by passion, dedication and proven in-depth experience in both full-cycle marketing and technology, Larry M. Fiel has leveraged over 40 years of practical knowledge to help raise the bar for excellence in a variety of verticals, including restaurant/hospitality, IT, education, and social services.
Filippe, John Cash
John Cash Filippe is an accomplished Casino Executive with over 29 years of experience in the gaming and technology industries. He currently serves as Director of ITS for Legends Casino Hotel and is the founder of IronDice, a company focused on cybersecurity tabletop exercises for the casino industry. He has worked nationally and internationally across commercial, tribal, and riverboat gaming properties and was a vendor with Bally Gaming and Systems during the largest expansion of tribal gaming in the late 1990s.
John is also the host of the G&L Voice podcast, a Board Member of Gaming & Leisure, a Board Member of TribalHub, and a regular contributor to Gaming & Leisure Magazine.
Fisher, Dr. A.J.
Dr. Fisher is the Chief Experience Officer, Founder, and Chairwoman of I.C. Intelligence, LLC. As a serial entrepreneur, AJ holds similar roles in additional companies she owns and operates. Before being named CXO in March 2021, AJ was I.C. Intelligence’s CEO, responsible for the oversight and management of the company’s national sales, operations, service, support and software development in the Gaming, Hospitality, and Technology sectors. Fisher is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s core value, customer-centricity. Dr. Fisher’s vision ensures stability and resilience, based on customer feedback, and needs, through consistent delivery of expectations and ‘being there’ when times are tough. Dr. Fisher served in the US Air Force, including hostile European tours. Several years later as the Founder & CEO of iVigilance, Inc., she earned State Department classification as a defense munitions developer, architecting next-generation solutions for the Defense and Homeland Security departments. Fisher’s spare time is spent advocating for women and veterans in the information technology, gaming, and hospitality verticals.
Gause, Apollos
Apollos Gause is a Senior Manager of Content & SEO with over 15 years of experience driving organic growth across global markets. A multilingual strategist fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese, Apollos brings deep expertise in international SEO, content development, and cross-cultural marketing. He has led successful campaigns across a variety of industries and continents and holds a degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Garrow, Michael
Michael C. Garrow graduated in May 2025 with a Master of Accountancy from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, where he focused on advanced financial strategy and reporting. His academic work builds on a distinguished career leading large-scale tribal enterprises, with deep expertise in finance, real estate development, and tribal economic sovereignty. With over 25 years of experience, Michael has held executive leadership roles including CEO, CFO, and General Manager across the tribal gaming and investment sectors. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Gaming & Leisure Magazine, offering strategic insights on tribal business innovation and industry growth from a management perspective.
Gdowski, Robert
Bob Gdowski, AIA, is a Principal and Director of Hospitality Design at JCJ Architecture, ranked the number one casino architecture firm in the country by Building Design+Construction. An architect and master planner with nearly three decades of experience, he leads the firm’s gaming, hospitality, and resort work, designing integrated destinations for commercial operators and sovereign Native nations alike. His career spans major resort markets from Las Vegas to Shanghai, with project experience connected to leading hospitality and gaming brands including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, Four Seasons, Marriott, and Hilton. He writes and speaks frequently on design as a driver of competitive performance and on the role of master planning in long-term economic and community value. Gdowski studied architecture and planning at the University of Southern California, is a member of the Urban Land Institute, and is based in San Diego.
Gordon, Brian
Brian Gordon is a principal with the Nevada-based advisory services firm, Applied Analysis. Gordon has extensive gaming and leisure experience from an accounting, finance and operational perspective.
Graham, Nicola
Nicki Graham is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with nearly two decades of experience in the public relations and marketing fields, with 10 of those years focused on the hospitality technology industry. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Cendyn, Nicki leads a global team of marketing, communications, and business development professionals who are responsible for generating demand, increasing brand awareness, and building pipeline for Cendyn’s products and services. Prior to her time at Cendyn, she led communications and public relations strategy for healthcare clients at IPG and WPP public relations agencies.
Guglielmetti, Matthew
Hamers, Heidi
With more than 28 years of casino marketing, Heidi began her casino career journey as market and research analyst for Grand Casinos in Minnesota where she led internal market research efforts including designing, deploying, analyzing, and reporting on guest intercept surveys, as well as leading qualitative research techniques. She is now the Senior Strategist at Strategic Casino Marketing Solutions and strategic partner of Visions, Inc, co-creating with Visions Inc. an online player communication, contact tool, empowering hosts to custom design, draft approved branded content and messaging, as well as semi-automate delivery through the mailbox and email channels. Heidi can be reached at: 218-429-2953.
Hendel, Alissa
Alissa Hendel serves as Group Vice President, North America & Owner Advocacy, Oracle Hospitality. She joined Oracle in 2021 and currently oversees all sales efforts for Oracle Hospitality in North America. This includes new business, strategic accounts, casino, and cruise. In addition, she oversees the global owner advocacy team, which is responsible for the relationships with hotel owners and management companies, including influential private equity groups, REITs, and advisory firms.
Alissa has 20 years of experience in the travel industry. Prior to Oracle she served as Senior Vice President Strategic Partnerships & Brands at ALICE, the Hospitality Operations Platform. Before that, she spent over a decade at Sabre, where she led commercial teams overseeing strategic sales and enterprise accounts.
Alissa is a graduate of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board.
Kline, Michèle
Through intentionality and dedication, Argentinean immigrant Michèle Kline, built a meaningful career in the Hospitality Industry. Today, a speaker, international bestselling author, training facilitator and process improvement expert. In 2010, she founded Kline Hospitality Consulting out of an unparalleled passion to enhance the quality of services across the hospitality industry. She has been successfully turning operations around by enhancing companies’ culture and improving their processes, with laser focus on leadership development. Her mission is to help leaders find their passions, ignite transformation, and inspire them to grow!
Lampman, Scott
Scott Lampman is a seasoned business development executive with more than 25 years of leadership in hospitality technology and resort operations. As the executive responsible for the global casino market at Oracle Hospitality, he has helped shape technology strategies for some of the industry’s most recognized hotel and gaming brands. With a track record of launching innovative cloud solutions and building long-term client relationships, Scott brings a deep understanding of the intersection between hospitality operations and emerging technology. His career spans P&L leadership roles, product development, and advisory positions, making him a trusted voice on the future of technology in the gaming sector.
Linton, Michael
Lopez, Adam
Adam Lopez brings more than 15 years of leadership in gaming, hospitality, and technology. His career spans executive roles where he’s led large-scale projects, transformed IT infrastructure, and built high-performing teams across some of the industry’s most recognized brands.
As Director of IT for Golden Entertainment, Adam spearheaded the $700 million remodel of The STRAT, delivering one of Las Vegas’ largest modernization projects on time and at scale. Earlier, as Vice President of IT and IT Security for Goodwill, he built secure and resilient systems that supported thousands of employees and customers. His consulting work with Hard Rock International and Crystal Cruises brought innovative marketing and casino branding to life, expanding guest engagement and operational efficiency.
Today, as CEO of CMIT Solutions of Las Vegas, Adam continues to support the gaming and hospitality industry by helping operators strengthen cybersecurity, streamline operations, and embrace new technologies. With a passion for project management and leading large teams, Adam’s focus is always on building solutions that last.
Adam is honored to contribute to Gaming & Leisure, a community he’s long admired for being at the forefront of technology and connections in gaming and hospitality. He shares G&L’s mission of advancing the industry through collaboration, insight, and innovation—and looks forward to sharing his perspective on the evolving technology landscape.
Markowitz, Tina
Tina Markowitz, Vice President of Global Digital Strategy, leads eCommerce strategic planning for Cendyn’s hospitality customers. Her team provides clients with holistic and innovative digital marketing campaigns that deliver business results. With over 13 years in integrated digital marketing leadership positions, Markowitz previously held positions at Zimmerman Advertising, with former roles at SapientNitro, Media Storm and Time, Inc.
McCallum, Shannon
As Regional Vice President, North America Applications Gaming, for Oracle, Shannon leads and supports gaming properties and cruise lines with tailored technology solutions. She helps shape technology strategies for some of the industry’s most recognized hotel and gaming brands.
Shannon drives the launch of innovative cloud solutions and builds long-term client relationships through her deep understanding of the intersection of hospitality operations and emerging technology. Her role spans product development and advisory work, positioning her as a trusted voice in the future of technology in the gaming sector.
Prior to joining Oracle, Shannon brought more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry throughout the U.S. and Canada with some of the industry’s largest and most respected brands.
Most recently in her role at Resorts World Las Vegas, as Vice President of Hotel Operations, Shannon led a large-scale technology stack change and digital arrival implementation to bring greater efficiency and a more seamless guest experience to the 3506 guest rooms and suites.
Shannon also served as Vice President of Operations for both ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa as part of her nearly ten years with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas. Her daily duties included overseeing more than 20 departments and ensuring the highest level of service was maintained throughout the 5,500+ rooms and suites that were under her purview. Shannon also spent 15 years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in several management and executive roles with the world-renowned luxury brand.
Shannon supports and donates her time with local boards including the following current and past roles:
- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association(HFTP) Las Vegas Chapter, current President
- Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association as Executive Board of Director and Treasurer
- Vegas PBS as Board Member
- Women’s Chamber of Commerce as Executive Board member
- HFTP Global Board Director and Officer
- Co-Chair of the HFTP AI Collective
- Board Advisor to the 2025 HITEC Advisory Council (HAC).
Shannon was honored to be recognized as Hotelier of the Year for the State of Nevada in 2015 and was named in the “2024 Global Top 100 Social Media Influencers in Hospitality” and the “Top 25 Hospitality Executives to Watch in 2025” by the International Hospitality Institute.
McCormick, Dave
Dave McCormick is a seasoned marketing director and expert in marketing technology, with a background in software development and technical support. Originally from Michigan, Dave is based out of Las Vegas and has witnessed firsthand the transformation and growth of the city, adding a unique perspective to his professional and personal life. Having spent over a decade at eConnect within the gaming industry, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Outside of work, Dave is a dedicated family person, happily married with two children. Image credit – All images were uniquely generated using AI for this article. Generative prompts composed by Dave McCormick @ eConnect.tv. No copyright reserved, free to all.
McGuire, Dr. Kelly
Dr. Kelly McGuire is Managing Principal, Hospitality, ZS Associates, where she is responsible for helping global hospitality clients improve their commercial strategy and operations, and to find impactful uses for data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning to support their commercial strategy. She recently served as senior vice president, revenue management, distribution and direct marketing for MGM Resorts International, where she oversaw strategy and execution of revenue management, distribution and direct marketing for MGM’s Las Vegas resorts, and guided the development, system selection and implementation planning for MGM’s revenue management and distribution technology roadmap. Prior to joining MGM, Kelly served as vice president, advanced analytics at Wyndham Destination Networks where she led a team of scientists and developers that built custom analytical solutions for Wyndham’s vacation rental business, as well as the RCI exchange. Before joining Wyndham, she was executive director, hospitality and travel global practice at SAS, the world’s largest privately held software company, where she specialized in analytics solutions for hospitality and travel companies.
McIntosh, Sofya
Sofya McIntosh is the Senior Vice President of Sales & Customer Success at ComOps, where she leverages her 25 years of experience in hotel operations and technology sales leadership to help clients optimize revenue and profitability. Sofya has an extensive background in revenue management, marketing solutions, business intelligence, and profit optimization. She has worked with industry leaders such as TravelClick, Rainmaker, Oracle, Hotel Effectiveness, and Kalibri Labs. As an HSMAI Sales Advisory Board Member, Sofya continues to shape sales strategies across the hospitality sector.
McNally, Joanna
Joanna McNally is the Director of Customer Experience at ComOps, where she leverages her 20 years of experience in the casino industry to help deliver exceptional guest and employee experiences. Joanna built the Guest Experience department at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Atlantic City, launching continuous improvement programs, mystery shop evaluations, employee recognition initiatives, and service recovery strategies. She has also facilitated Kaizen events that enhanced employee engagement, increased customer loyalty, reduced lead times, and generated significant cost savings, as well as used the Medallia survey platform to turn guest feedback into actionable insights.
Murphy, Sue
Sue Murphy is a dynamic and results-driven professional with nearly 20 years of proven experience and success in hotel revenue management. After starting her hospitality career at a Chicago-area property with what was then Harrah’s Entertainment, Sue took over revenue management for Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City operation in 2006, spearheading strategy and distribution for their four properties totaling 6,800 rooms and leading her team through an unprecedented economic downturn. Sue then joined Pinnacle Entertainment to build and lead revenue management for its growing portfolio of properties, where she was instrumental in maximizing hotel profitability by implementing strategies and systems that drove consistent WorthPar growth. After Pinnacle acquired Ameristar, Sue and her team rolled out a centralized revenue management solution integrating seven Ameristar properties into the portfolio and yielding positive WorthPAR results within months of execution. In her role as Vice President of Revenue Management and Distribution at Penn National Gaming, Sue managed the group’s 23 hotel properties, implementing critically needed standardization and strategic direction across what had been a decentralized revenue management operation. Sue is currently leading revenue management at ComOps, helping guide strategy for new hotel projects, review strategies that are in place for existing organizations, lead transformational projects, and provide tactical support across various areas, including contact center operations, customer experience, and digital innovation. As a thought leader, she collaborated with HSMAI to draft a white paper on revenue management for casino hotels.
Nygren, Ann
Op/ed column submitted by Ann Nygren, President of Key Consulting Software. KCS is an IT consulting company focused on gaming and hospitality applications for clients ranging from Caesars, Eldorado Resorts, TI and Pechanga to Hard Rock, Pearl River & Casino Arizona, Resorts AC and more. Ann can be reached at ann@kcsoft.com.
Cash Filippe, John
John Cash Filippe is a casino technology executive with nearly three decades of experience leading IT organizations across commercial, tribal, and riverboat gaming. His career has included technology leadership roles at properties throughout the country, and he currently serves as Director of Information Technology Services for Legends Casino Hotel in Washington.
A longtime contributor to Gaming & Leisure, John writes and speaks on technology leadership, cybersecurity, innovation, and the changing role of IT in the gaming industry. He also hosts the G&L Voice podcast and serves on the board for Gaming & Leisure.
John is the co-founder of IronDice, a cybersecurity tabletop exercise platform designed specifically for the casino gaming industry. Drawing on decades of experience managing technology and cyber risk in gaming environments, IronDice helps casino leadership teams prepare for the decisions, communication, and operational challenges that emerge during a major cyber incident.
Pollock, Michael
Michael Pollock is Managing Director of Spectrum Gaming Group. Pollock began analyzing the casino industry in 1978. Pollock oversees a broad portfolio of Spectrum services, including policy and impact studies for country, state and local governments and financial and market studies for private-sector clients. For inquiries, email Michael at pollock@spectrumgaming.com.
Posey, Rick
Rick is VP, AI & Product at Cendyn, where he leads the company’s organization-wide AI rollout alongside his product leadership for Website, Digital Marketing Platform, and Reporting & Analytics. He has pioneered Cendyn’s multi-agent AI infrastructure, building a full product operating system that takes initiatives from intent capture through engineering-ready artifacts, and has established the governance frameworks and adoption strategy behind Cendyn’s AI transformation.
With a diverse background spanning roles at iCIMS, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Rick’s rich background in the travel and hospitality industry has honed a versatile skill set encompassing user interface design, web analytics, digital strategy, e-commerce, and product management. This blend of industry knowledge from both the hotel and tech sides allows Rick to bring a unique perspective to his role, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of digital business and consumer behavior.
Today, that perspective extends into AI strategy: Rick focuses on how AI can be adopted responsibly and effectively across a product organization, from governance and risk management to hands-on tooling that helps teams move faster without sacrificing quality. His work sits at the intersection of hospitality domain expertise and emerging AI capability, giving him a grounded view of where automation genuinely adds value versus where it introduces risk.
Reece, Eric
Eric Reece leads the creative efforts for Cendyn’s entire client portfolio. He is responsible for ensuring the highest standard of excellence for all creative work across the company’s digital skillsets. Additionally, Eric provides design and strategic guidance for website projects to both internal and external stakeholders. Before joining Cendyn, Eric was the Creative Director for NextGuest Innovations Lab. He was also the Creative Director for Sabre Hospitality Solutions for eight years. Eric has extensive experience leading creative teams working with a variety of national and international hotelier brands including Marriot, Loews, Mandarin Oriental, Fontainebleau, Four Seasons, and Waldorf Astoria. Eric follows the philosophy that good design is obvious, great design is transparent.
Reyes, Shearly
Shearly Reyes is redefining how modern hospitality brands turn digital strategy into measurable revenue. As Director of Media at Cendyn, she leads performance strategy across a global portfolio of more than 300 hotel and travel properties. With nearly a decade of experience, she has built a reputation for translating complex data and evolving traveler behavior into clear, profit-driving action, working with leading groups including HHM, Highgate, and Red Lion. In the past, Reyes served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Miami, where she taught digital marketing across paid media, SEO, and content strategy, with curriculum later adopted by universities nationwide. Her insights and work have been featured in publications such as HospitalityNet, Bustle, Forbes, and Databox, positioning her as a leading voice in the future of hospitality marketing.
Robbins, Mike
Mike Robbins is an experienced Technical Compliance Specialist, Digital with a demonstrated history of working in the gambling & casinos industry. Starting his career with GLI in 2008, he has developed a broad range of experience and has become a solid resource in various technologies and regulations, including Sports/Event Wagering, Mobile and Interactive Gaming, eSports, and amusement throughout the global gaming industry. In acknowledgment of his distinct work, The Innovation Group selected him as one of the “Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40” Class of 2023. Currently, he is a pioneer on the Evolution Team, creating test criteria for jurisdictional requirements, which ensures product compliance. He has also been involved in the development of new jurisdictional markets, providing the agencies with the support and assistance needed to succeed.
His familiarity with emerging and developing technologies, such as Mobile and Interactive Gaming/iGaming, Fantasy Sports, Electronic Raffle Systems, Skill-Based Gaming, Live and Virtual Events/Sports Wagering, as well as his expansive knowledge of technical requirements and regulations from a global market perspective, makes him a valuable resource to the company in the update and expansion of GLI’s Technical Standard Series, in particular creating and updating the GLI-33 Standards for Event Wagering Systems, GLI-20 Standards for Kiosks, and the GLI-19 Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems. As an example, he performed global research in sports wagering and interactive gaming regulation and compiled the information in a way that positioned GLI for success with the release of these technical standards. This required interviewing multiple subject matter experts, analytical overlap analysis of each existing technical standards from around the world, and refinement of that data into a form that is consistent with the rest of the GLI standards. These Standards have already produced opportunities for GLI from both regulators and suppliers and will be a critical piece in the regulation of sports wagering and interactive gaming worldwide.
Ruthe, Leslie
An accomplished technology leader and business development executive based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Leslie brings decades of strategic expertise spanning cloud ecosystems, infrastructure solutions, and advanced data architecture. In her current role, she architects high-margin global business models that transition enterprise sales into recurring revenue streams across complex multi-cloud environments. Her career is defined by high-impact cloud sales, where she managed multi-million-dollar quotas and notably became the first to achieve gaming control board approval for running regulated workloads in the cloud. This commercial success is built upon a formidable foundation in IT leadership, having previously served as an IT Director and Vice President of Information Technology, directing large-scale technical teams, infrastructure modernizations, and data warehousing strategies for major hospitality and entertainment enterprises. Educated across multiple institutions, she combines deep technical acumen with a proven track record of driving corporate revenue growth, negotiating high-value contracts, and building lasting executive-level partnerships.
Shoemaker, Dr. Stowe
Dr. Stowe Shoemaker (Ph.D., Cornell University) served as Dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality from 07.01.13 – 06.30.23 where for the last two years he held the Andrew and Peggy Dean’s Chair. From 1996 to 2020 he served on the Executive Education Faculty of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. He has an extensive background in pricing, revenue management, consumer behavior, and customer loyalty programs. He worked with British Airways on their pricing strategy and trained all their revenue managers. He also worked with Accor, Hilton, Landry’s, and Hyatt on their customer loyalty programs. He held a joint appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and has worked with Memorial Healthcare Systems also in Houston. On the gaming side, Shoemaker has worked with different gaming companies on segmentation of players and game design.
Dr. Shoemaker’s research has won numerous awards, and he has published three books: Marketing Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism: Strategies and Tactics for a Competitive Advantage; Marketing Essentials in Hospitality and Tourism: Foundations and Practices; and his newest book, published in September 2023 is titled Hospitable Healthcare – Just What the Patient Ordered.
Sholtes, Tucker
Tucker is a Decision Analytics Consultant at ZS Associates. Focused on the Hospitality industry, he leads process optimization and intelligent automation projects and works with clients to implement technologies including Robotic Process Automation, Natural Language Processing, and Customer Service Management tools. Prior to ZS Associates, he held Management Consulting roles at Accenture & PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He is a graduate of Clemson University with an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and has a Graduate Certificate in International Management & Global Leadership from Oxford University. He also earned a BS in Business Administration and BA in Public Relations from SUNY Oswego. Tucker is a member of HFTP and serves on the MBA Alumni Council at Clemson University and the Board of Directors for SUNY Oswego’s Alumni Association. In his free time, he’s often traveling, camping and geeking out over travel & hospitality loyalty programs. He lives in Charleston, SC with his fiancé, Hope.
Singh, Manjit
Manjit is a software product executive with expertise in cloud computing, mobile commerce, mobile gaming, casino gaming, messaging platforms and systems management. He has worked for Silicon Valley start-ups as well as large companies (including 10 years at Sun Microsystems Inc.). He is an expert in scaling software systems, running 24x7x365 e-commerce and gaming systems. Manjit is a published author and speaks on modern technology topics. In 2015, he was recognized as a top technology executive in Nevada. After 27 years in the industry, he retired from the corporate world in 2016 and now uses his experience to mentor startups, serving on several company’s advisory boards. In 2018, Manjit founded DruvStar to enable businesses to modernize their technology and infrastructure via AI based cybersecurity solutions.
Student, Darren
Darren Student serves as Vice President of Sales for Gaming at Agilysys where he oversees a highly respected team of industry professionals whose high rate of success is directly derived from their effective consultative selling and partner-first approach in the Gaming community. Darren is also responsible for designing innovative sales strategies and accelerating revenue growth across the company’s largest vertical segment. Having been with Agilysys since 2014, Darren’s expertise dates to the late eighties when started his career in Gaming in Front Desk Operations at the original Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and brings extensive industry experience and a track record of success in selling to clients looking to leverage technology solutions to better serve their guests and staff. He previously served as Senior Sales Manager at Oracle/MICROS in their Gaming vertical. Darren has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from UNLV.
Swanger, Christopher
Christopher Swanger is a technology veteran in the gaming industry and has worked both as a vendor and an operator. He is a Go-To-Market expert who helps companies establish relevance and value within the gaming and hospitality sector. As a proponent for innovation, Chris writes for Gaming & Leisure Magazine to help tell the stories that his technology partners and colleagues deem important to the betterment of the gaming industry. You can learn more about Chris at http://www.christopherswanger.com
Thomas, Bill
Bill Thomas (bill.thomas@bespinglobal.com) is a seasoned cloud channel and direct sales executive with a career rooted in transformational technology leadership. A former executive at AWS, Dell, and EMC, Bill now helps organizations accelerate digital innovation through AI-powered solutions, CX technologies, and strategic partnerships. He currently leads the sales effort for cloud and AI services at Bespin Global in the Gaming space.
With dual MBAs in Marketing Strategy and International Business from Regis University, Bill believes every problem has 13 possible solutions—only two of which won’t work. The real challenge? Choosing the one that’s better, faster, or cheaper.
A passionate advocate for human-centric technology, Bill has developed AI applications and communications systems for humanitarian efforts, including projects for the American Red Cross, Polish Red Cross, and Save the Children. Whether mentoring future leaders or launching next-gen platforms, his focus remains constant: delivering value by blending tech innovation with real human impact.
Connect with Bill on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-thomas-az/) to explore how technology, thoughtfully applied, can drive meaningful business transformation.
Varchetta, Marco
Marco Varchetta is Practice Lead, Cybersecurity Services at GLI. He leads penetration testing, red teaming, and other offensive security engagements for casinos, iGaming operators, and gaming suppliers, helping them understand how real attackers move through their environments and where critical weaknesses lie. With more than a decade in cybersecurity, including extensive experience in the gaming industry, he works with technical and executive teams to translate attack findings into practical improvements in resilience and uptime.
Wankoff, Tami
If anyone has questions please reach out, I’d be happy to provide guidance. (tamiw@GETCHOICE.com). GETCHOICE!! has a division dedicated to sourcing connectivity services, handles contract negotiations, and offers contingency-based auditing services and Bill Pay management services. For more information, please contact Tami Wankoff, Telecommunications Advisory Director – tamiw@GETCHOICE.com or (973) 216-3208.
Williams, Tim
Tim Williams is the Chief Information Officer at SAHARA Las Vegas, where he directs enterprise IT, digital systems, and AI strategy for one of Las Vegas’ most iconic independent resorts. A veteran of over three decades in gaming and hospitality, he has led the technology openings of multiple multi-billion-dollar resorts – including Fontainebleau Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – while holding senior leadership roles at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Aliante Gaming, and Affinity Interactive. Williams is widely recognized for his hands-on leadership and ability to translate complex technical strategy into operational excellence.
Wondolowski, John
John Wondolowski is the Chief Technology Officer for Solutions II. Solutions II is an Information Technology Services and Solutions Provider with an industry focus in Casino Gaming and Hospitality. John has been an Enterprise IT Executive for many years after earning degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and California State University at Fullerton.
Zahir, Nasir
Nasir Zahir is a seasoned, hands-on, and passionate hotelier with many years of world-class hotel experience. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading three to five-star/diamond hotels, including renowned international brands such as Four Seasons, Stouffer’s, Hyatt International, Radisson, IHG, Starwood Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and Sheraton International, as well as various independent hotels. His extensive background encompasses various executive positions within the industry, demonstrating his versatility and depth of expertise.
Mr. Zahir founded “NZ Hospitality” with the mission to assist hospitality professionals and companies in enhancing their top line, profitability, guest service scores, and overall guest services. His approach is characterized by a deep commitment to excellence and a relentless drive to deliver exceptional results.
As a logical and strategic leader, Mr. Zahir boasts a solid track record of implementing effective solutions that increase productivity and protect market share for multimillion-dollar budgets. He excels in gathering, analyzing, and leveraging requirements for crucial hospitality initiatives. His adept management of expenses and focus on improving efficiency and productivity have led to substantial cost savings and significant enhancements in operational performance.
His leadership style is marked by a collaborative approach, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. He is known for his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, inspiring them to achieve ambitious goals and deliver outstanding guest experiences. His strategic insights and operational acumen have consistently resulted in improved financial performance, higher guest satisfaction, and stronger market positioning for the organizations he has been part of.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Zahir is committed to giving back to the hospitality community. He regularly mentors emerging leaders and shares his knowledge through industry workshops. His dedication to the field and his unwavering pursuit of excellence makes him a respected and influential figure in the hospitality industry.
Zender, Bill
As former Nevada Gaming Control Agent, casino operator, professional card counter, and casino consultant, Bill Zender has been involved in various areas of gaming and hospitality since 1976. In the past, Bill Zender has instructed courses on game protection, card counting, advantage play, and gaming operations at various colleges and institutions throughout the country. As a member of JMJ, Inc., Zender was an owner and operator of the Aladdin Hotel and Casino and has additional operational experience in card room casinos in California and is considered an expert in Asian gaming. Besides his practical gaming experience, Zender has a Bachelors in Hotel Administration and a Master’s in Business. As a gaming author Zender has penned seven non-fiction books on gaming including Card Counting for the Casino Executive, and the Casino-ology series. Owner/consultant of Bill Zender and Associates, Zender spent the 2018 & 2019 in a General Manager’s position at a major California Cardroom Casino. Zender has been a speaker every year at the World Game Protection Conference in Las Vegas Nevada. Zender was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Game Protection Conference in 2014.
Zwaagstra, Jake
Jake Zwaagstra founded TriCelta Development with a vision of providing superior service to project owners. A leader in the hospitality industry, Jake brings over 20 years of design-build experience to each project, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and integrity. His approach ensures timely delivery while maximizing quality and value.
Jake began his career as a general contractor before finding his calling as an owner’s representative, allowing him to serve as a true advocate for his clients. Today, his portfolio spans more than $5 billion in completed projects, including the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK; The Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino in Las Vegas; and the Signature at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
To learn more about how TriCelta Development supports complex projects from start to finish, visit triceltadevelopment.com.