At G2E last month, Johnny Barrientoz, general manager of Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg, Michigan, received the coveted Chairman’s Leadership Award of the National Indian Gaming Association’s (NIGA). Barrientoz, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, accepted the award from NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr.
“The Indian gaming industry has seen such phenomenal strides throughout the years,” Stevens said at the awards reception. “Today, we are the experts, and Johnny Barrientoz is one of the truest examples of that. His path from an entry-level position to general manager of one of the greatest tribal gaming properties in Indian Country should be showcased.”
Also honored at the ceremony were Michael Hunter, chairman of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Knute Knudson and John Chamberlain, respectively vice president of global affairs and distinguished engineer for IGT Gaming, and three-time Indian Rodeo World Champion Faith Hoylen. Stevens also presented the NIGA Lifetime Achievement Award to comedian George Lopez.
Barrientoz began his career in the tribal government’s Youth Program Department and in 2005 moved to the casino gaming division as a front line slot attendant. He quickly advanced to slot department supervisor, slot department manager, and director of slots for both Leelanau Sands and Turtle Creek casinos.
In January, on receiving his certification in gaming management through the University of Nevada, Barrientoz was promoted to general manager of Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. He oversees 485 employees, a 56,000 square-foot gaming floor with over 1,000 slot machines and 30 table games, three restaurants, six bars including a newly opened sports bar, coffee shop, and 131-room full-service hotel.
“I am sincerely grateful and humbled to receive such a coveted award, especially from someone I have always respected and admired,” remarked Barrientoz. “When Ernie (Stevens) asked me to come over to the NIGA booth, I was completely unaware of the awards presentation, and when I realized that I was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award, I was speechless. I had no idea I was even being considered.”
“Johnny is the ideal example of a leader,” said Michael Schrader, CEO for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Economic Development Corporation. “He is hard working, dedicated, and a true professional in all he does. His innate modesty and altruistic manner are apparent upon first impression, and have served him well at the helm of our largest casino. He addresses and knows every employee by name, and our guests find him approachable and trustworthy.”
