X
We asked tribal leaders to discuss their current top priorities, how innovation is guiding decisions across their gaming and hospitality portfolios, and how they approach leadership development to ensure long-term stability and growth. Here is what Chairman Mitchell Hicks had to say…
Mitchell Hicks, Chairman
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC; Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel – Murphy, NC
caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee / caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river / ebci.gov
PRIORITIES: Our priorities are centered on family-focused growth and community enrichment. This includes expanding family-friendly activities and enhancing outdoor amenities at our natural sites. Through our gaming enterprises, we can create more opportunities that attract visitors and encourage them to engage more deeply with everything Cherokee has to offer. The goal is to provide families with more meaningful experiences and more reasons to spend time in our community.
INNOVATION: Innovation, particularly through data analytics, is becoming a key driver in our gaming and hospitality operations. Using data allows us to make more informed business decisions, improve operational efficiency, and better understand guest preferences. This helps ensure we continue delivering high-quality experiences while meeting and anticipating customer needs.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: We focus on empowering individuals to apply their professional skills within their specific areas of expertise while encouraging them to continuously seek new initiatives and innovative solutions. At the same time, we emphasize that the community must always remain the top priority. Leadership development is grounded in teaching the Cherokee way of life, ensuring that cultural values guide future leaders as they work toward long-term stability and growth.