Three tribal leaders 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.
Bill Anoatubby, Governor
Chickasaw Nation
Ada Gaming Center; Artesian Casino & Hotel; Black Gold Casino; Border Casino; Chisholm Trail Casino; Gold Mountain Casino; Goldsby Gaming Center; Jet Stream Casino; Lakecrest Casino & Hotel; Madill Gaming; MegaStar Casino; Newcastle Casino; The Riverstar Casino; Riverwind Casino; Saltcreek Casino; Texoma Casino; Tishomingo Tobacco Gaming; Treasure Valley Casino & Hotel; Washita Casino; West Bay Casino & Resort; WinStar World Casino and Resort; and 9 Chickasaw Travel Stops in Oklahoma
Riverwind.com / Winstar.com / Chickasaw.net
PRIORITIES: The mission of the Chickasaw Nation that unifies all our moving parts into a cohesive whole is “to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.” Since the purchase of our first business in 1972 and thoughtful investment into a diverse portfolio of businesses in the decades since, the Chickasaw Nation now provides the majority of funding for our nearly 400 programs and services that directly benefit the Chickasaw people, as well as the communities around us. Today, the Chickasaw Nation operates more than 100 successful businesses in gaming, hospitality, tourism, banking, manufacturing, media and other industries, and directly employs more than 14,500 workers.
INNOVATION: Our gaming facilities are both entertainment and hospitality venues. To most efficiently serve our patrons, we constantly implement new technology and innovations. One of our newest properties, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, is a unique family destination in Oklahoma City’s Horizons District near the First Americans Museum (FAM) and Exhibit C Gallery. OKANA is a world-class facility built alongside the Oklahoma River. The massive project continues the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to fulfill its mission, as well as create opportunities for tourism growth, cultural preservation, and economic development in Oklahoma. It took the innovation, dedication, and cooperation of many people to make the vision of OKANA a reality, including Oklahoma City and state officials, and many others. Together, we transformed the site from an old oil field to an entertainment and cultural destination that will complement and support the success of the First Americans Museum and further showcase the rich cultures and traditions of Oklahoma tribes.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: The Chickasaw Nation has multiple avenues of training and career development for our employees. We have worked hard to develop a culture within our workforce that encourages servant leadership and respect, and rewards selflessness, longevity, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We value our employees and offer opportunities for growth and advancement. We have training classes available to all employees, both online and in-person, as well as a core leadership program that helps new leaders learn the systems they will need in their roles. The Chickasaw Leadership Academy helps us develop valuable skills in prospective leaders. We believe in preparing our employees both technically and practically.
Mark Fox, Chairman
Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation
4 Bears Casino & Lodge – New Town, ND
4bearscasino.com / mhanation.com
PRIORITIES: The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation), also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes, continues to thrive under a vision of self-determination, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity for our people. Our tribe’s top priorities center on long-term economic self-sufficiency, infrastructure enhancement, community wellness, and cultural preservation. We focus on diversifying revenue streams beyond our strong energy sector to create stable, high-quality employment opportunities, improve health and education services, and invest in youth and veteran programs. A key emphasis is on workforce development, ensuring our members have access to training and meaningful jobs that honor our traditions while building intergenerational wealth. While our gaming operations at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge do not generate the largest share of tribal revenue, they remain a valuable contributor by providing essential jobs and supporting regional economic activity. The casino protects and creates employment, with more than 200 full-time positions sustained through ongoing investments and expansions. Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, 4 Bears offers stable work for tribal and non-tribal members alike. Recent enhancements include the addition of a new sportsbook (2024); the River Willow gaming vessel with slots, table games, and bars (2026); and a new seven-story hotel tower (2026). The new hotel includes expanded guest rooms, a sports bar, fine dining, ballroom, and more gaming space to enhance our competitive offerings. These efforts extend visitor stays, boost tourism, and provide consistent economic benefits, that provide revenue for important tribal programs such as healthcare, education, addiction recovery, and infrastructure – strengthening our sovereignty and quality of life for members to meet economic challenges in the future.
INNOVATION: Innovation is a guiding force in our gaming and hospitality portfolio, driving decisions that keep us competitive and forward-looking. We embrace technological and experiential advancements to elevate guest experiences while respecting our cultural heritage. Key innovations such as an updated RV park, public beach, boat slips, an exciting water park, and our MHA Interpretive Center across the bay, are enhancing and supporting our vision of making the 4 Bears recreation area a premier destination resort. The hotel tower expansion incorporates cultural signatures with upscale amenities to appeal to a broader audience. Looking ahead, our strategic land acquisitions and development plans reflect innovative approaches to economic growth. We prioritize sustainable practices, data-driven operational enhancements, and partnerships that elevate our properties to cutting-edge hospitality standards. These efforts help protect jobs and sustain operations amid regional competition, positioning 4 Bears as an amazing destination that blends excitement with the natural beauty of our homeland.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Leadership development is fundamental to ensuring the long-term stability and growth of the MHA Nation. We approach this through mentorship, education, and stimulation of business opportunities. We invest in our youth via scholarships, internships, and community programs that build skills in governance, business, and cultural stewardship. Our Tribal Business Council emphasizes transparency, professional development, and cross-training across departments to prepare emerging leaders. Drawing on my own path – from U.S. Marine Corps service to roles as Tribal Gaming Director, Tax Director, and now Chairman – we encourage members to gain diverse experience, including in key areas such as healthcare, energy, and gaming. National involvement, through organizations such as the Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of American Indians, exposes our leaders to broader perspectives while reinforcing tribal sovereignty. By fostering knowledge and a commitment to excellence, we safeguard continuity in governance and sustain the momentum of our progress for generations to come.
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.
