LINCOLN, CA – The United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), owner and operator of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, has appointed Dawn Clayton as CEO. Clayton has 44 years of experience in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, including 16 years at Thunder Valley and the past 13 overseeing the resort’s day-to-day operations. Her background includes work in commercial casinos, racinos, riverboat gaming, and tribal gaming.
As CEO, Clayton will oversee all aspects of Thunder Valley’s operations and work with the UAIC Tribal Council on the resort’s continued development. The appointment comes as the tribe plans future development at the property.
“Dawn’s appointment reflects the confidence the tribe has in her leadership, character, and vision,” said John L. Williams, Chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community. “She leads with humility, decisiveness and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She has earned the trust and respect of our Tribal Council, our team members, and our guests, and there is no one better suited to lead Thunder Valley into its next chapter. From expanding our resort and bringing world-class entertainment to Thunder Valley to successfully leading through one of the most challenging periods in our industry’s history, Dawn has consistently demonstrated the leadership that defines great organizations. Under her leadership, Thunder Valley has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most respected tribal gaming enterprises while remaining true to the values that have guided our tribe from the very beginning.”
During Clayton’s tenure at Thunder Valley, she played a leadership role in the expansion of the property’s hotel, helped oversee the development and opening of The Venue, and expanded the entertainment program. She also led the property through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thunder Valley is one of Placer County’s largest employers.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence the United Auburn Indian Community has placed in me,” said Clayton. “Everything Thunder Valley has accomplished has been made possible by the tribe’s vision and leadership, along with the extraordinary dedication of our team members. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent the past 16 years working alongside the United Auburn Indian Community and an extraordinary team of people who have made Thunder Valley’s success possible. It is a privilege to lead this remarkable organization, and I look forward to building on our success as we continue creating memorable experiences for our guests, supporting our employees, and advancing the tribe’s vision for the future.”