FORT HALL, ID – The Fort Hall Business Council has selected tribal member Colista Matsaw as CEO of Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel. She officially began in her new role on May 23, 2024.
“Colista brings over 25 years of invaluable experience in the gaming and hospitality industry to her role as the CEO,” said Fort Hall Business Council Chairman Lee Juan Tyler. “She embodies a commitment to excellence, innovation and honoring our tribal heritage. We are pleased that we have a tribal member that has succeeded in her educational efforts and exceeds the necessary experience to be successful for our tribes.”
Matsaw’s journey in the gaming industry began as a Keno runner at Sandia Casino in New Mexico. After returning home to Fort Hall, Matsaw held various positions with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes gaming operations including in the Security and Cage Departments, and eventually assumed roles as the Gaming Machine Director, Interim CEO and Executive Hotel Director.
For the past three years, Matsaw has operated her own consulting business and served as a statewide business advisor for the Idaho Women’s Business Center’s Idaho Connect Program. In addition, she was a Programs Coordinator with the Oweesta Corporation, a Native-owned non-profit organization dedicated to serving Indigenous communities across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska.
As CEO, Matsaw is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of staff, guest services and providing leadership and strategic planning to all departments in support of the operation’s service culture. She will also be responsible for ensuring compliance to all tribal and federal laws, regulations and ordinances as they apply to the gaming industry.
“I am humbled and honored to serve in the capacity as the CEO for our tribe’s gaming operations,” said Matsaw. “We have been in business for over 30 years, and I believe with the proper leadership we have the team members to get us to the next level of success that our tribe is capable of. I am eager to step into this role and lead an amazing organization for the benefit of my tribe, community members and Indian Country.”
