Global Gaming Business Magazine (GGB) today announced the 2017 class of 40 Under 40, the future of the gaming industry, at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) trade show and conference. Produced in conjunction with the Innovation Group and G2E’s Emerging Leaders of Gaming program, the 40 Under 40 group represents the best of the next generation of leaders in the casino and gaming industry.
“The Emerging Leaders of Gaming program has become the most important vehicle to recognize young leaders in the gaming industry,” says Roger Gros, the publisher of GGB. “With over 100 nominations, the 40 Under 40 list was difficult to choose. It’s a testament to the bright future of the industry, and we’ve been very gratified by the response of the industry.”
David Rittvo, executive vice president for the Innovation Group, says the reaction to the program has been overwhelming.
“Now in it’s fifth year, the Emerging Leaders of Gaming program with G2E continues to increase in awareness, and along with with GGB’s ’40 Under 40’ feature, recognize a more diverse class of rising industry stars each year,” he says. “The Innovation Group believes that new leadership can serve to invigorate an industry, and we hope this program plays a key role in identifying those with talent and creativity to lead gaming into the future.”
GGB’s 40 Under 40 finalists are chosen by the magazine’s advisory board from nominees to the G2E Emerging Leaders of Gaming program. The 40 Under 40 feature will appear in the November 2016 issue of the magazine and will feature 10 profiles. Each month thereafter, more profiles will be published until the 2017 class of 40 Under 40 is announced at G2E 2017.
The following is GGB’s 2017 Class of 40 Under 40.
1. Matthew B. Levinson, Chairman and CEO, New Jersey Casino Control Commission
2. Walter Fales, Chief Development Officer, Warner Hospitality
3. Sara G. Tait, Executive Director, Indiana Gaming Commission
4. Mike McKiski, Vice President of Sales, Interblock Gaming
5. Patrick Nichols, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
6. Cory Roberts, Associate Publisher, CDC Gaming Reports
7. Grant Eve, Partner, Joseph Eve, CPAs
8. Jeff Morris, Vice President-Public Affairs, Penn National Gaming
9. Kurt Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Casino Cash Trac, LLC
10. Patrick Harris, Senior Associate, TRM Public Affairs
11. Erika Okerberg, Associate, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
12. Neil Erlick, Executive Vice President Business Development, Paysafe
13. Joanne Israel, General Manager, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
14. Darion Lowenstein, CMO, Gamblit Gaming, LLC
15. Stephen Maldonado, ITR Manager, Forest County Potawatomi Gaming Commission
16. Jada Yee, Food and Beverage Manager, SaskGaming Corporation
17. Alexander White, Game Producer, IGT
18. Adam Berger, Associate, Duane Morris
19. Mike Trask, Director of Marketing, Ainsworth Game Technology
20. John Hemberger, Senior Vice President of Table Products, AGS
21. Melani Evans, Director of Corporate Marketing, Affinity Gaming
22. Vlad Dunaevsky, Casino Product Manager, Pala Interactive
23. Cheryl Hanlan, Executive Assistant GM, Sky Dancer Casino & Resort
24. Itay Fisher, Product & Gaming Development Director, Gala Coral Interactive
25. Jordan Seager, Vice President Marketing, Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino
26. Jonathan Deutsch, Professor, Drexel University Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
27. Dan Whelan, Art Director, Incredible Technologies
28. BJ Bouschor, VP of IT, Firekeepers Casino Hotel
29. Angela Bae, Slot Marketing Manager, Aria Resort & Casino
30. James Siva, Tribal Council Member, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
31. Michael Armenta, Senior Marketing Manager, Chumash Hotel & Casino
32. Wendy Carter, Marketing Director, Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
33. Ashlee Garnett, Hospitality Consultant, Cintas
34. Justin Quigno, Director of Slot Services, Four Winds Casinos
35. Miki Yeo, Assistant Casino Manager, Marina Bay Sands
36. Tyler Johnson, Director of Slot Operations, Osage Casinos
37. Cathryn Lai, Senior Director of Product Management, Gaming Division, Scientific Games
38. Melanie Gross, Head of Online Casino, Caesars Interactive
39. Whit Askew, Vice President of Government Relations, AGA
40. Lovell Walker, Executive Director of Interactive Gaming, MGM Resorts
For more information on GGB’s 40 Under 40 feature, contact Roger Gros at rgros@ggbmagazine.com. For information on G2E’s Emerging Leaders program contact David Rittvo at drittvo@theinnovationgroup.com.
