NEW BUFFALO, MI – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos has appointed Mary Smith as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Smith, who most recently served as Executive Vice President of Casino Operations, assumes the role, which was being fulfilled on an interim basis by Clayton Mason, who also serves as Chief Financial Officer for Four Winds Casinos. Smith is a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the first female executive to serve as COO of Four Winds Casinos.
Smith joined Four Winds Casinos in 2007, and during her tenure, held successive roles of increasing responsibility including Financial Analyst, Assistant Property Shift Manager, Property Shift Manager, Director of Hotel Operations, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations and Development, and Executive Vice President of Casino Operations.
“We are very pleased to promote Mary Smith to the role of Chief Operating Officer,” said Rebecca Richards, Tribal Council Chairwoman of the Pokagon Band and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority. “In addition to being a Pokagon citizen and the first female executive to take the helm as COO, Mary is a long-time member of our casino operations team, who has been with us from the beginning. Her knowledge and diverse experience with the inner workings of our organization will provide her with the necessary perspective and insight to lead Four Winds Casinos into the future.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be named COO of Four Winds Casinos,” said Smith. “I want to thank Chairwoman Richards and the Pokagon Gaming Authority for their confidence in my ability to serve on the casino operations team in this capacity. I look forward to continuing my service to my tribe and leading Four Winds Casinos for years to come.”
