DOWAGIAC, MI – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Ventures has appointed hospitality executive Kathy George as its CEO. Four Winds Ventures was established by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana to pursue investment and consulting opportunities in the development, management, and operation of businesses in commercial gaming, hospitality, and related sectors.
George has more than 30 years of experience driving operational excellence in the hospitality industry including customer service, gaming, hotels, food and beverage, and retail. She also has extensive experience serving tribal nations and is the daughter of a Seneca Nation father from New York and a Tuscarora Nation mother from Ontario, Canada.
Prior to joining Four Winds Ventures, George most recently served as President of Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, NC, for the Catawba Nation. Prior to that, she served as CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, MI, and its owned subsidiary businesses for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians. She also served as GM for the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY, and temporary Casino at Buffalo Creek in Buffalo, NY. She also held GM roles with properties for leading hotel operators including DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Wyndham International.
“On behalf of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council, I am pleased to welcome Kathy George as CEO of Four Winds Ventures,” said Matthew Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. “She is one of the most respected leaders in the gaming and hospitality industry, with an exceptional track record of operational excellence, strategic vision, and developing strong teams. Just as importantly, she understands the unique role tribal enterprises play in creating opportunities and further diversifying our economic portfolio.”
“Kathy brings a proven tracked record and a myriad of skills in the development and management of tribally-owned assets,” said Mary Smith, Chair of the Four Winds Ventures Board and President and CEO of Four Winds Casinos. “Her extensive experience and proven leadership make her the ideal person to guide Four Winds Ventures into its next phase of development.”
“I am very excited to join Four Winds Ventures and support the long-term goals of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi,” said George. “The Pokagon Band’s Four Winds Casinos have set a high standard for gaming and hospitality in the Midwest and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors as we pursue investment and consulting opportunities to advance our business objectives.”
George has been featured in several business, gaming, and hospitality publications including being recognized by Crain’s Detroit as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2021, and one of the Top 30 CEOs by Native Business Magazine in 2019. She has also served on Board of Directors for numerous gaming and community organizations.
