What were your beginnings in the gaming industry?

2022 will be my 16th year with Konami Gaming, Inc. Growing up in Ohio we did not have gaming so, Las Vegas and the casino industry was a whole new world for me. I was fresh out of college (The Ohio State University) and visiting a high school friend in Las Vegas; when I decided to send out some resumes to practice my interviewing skills. I had no intention of taking a position or moving away from my home but, I was slowly falling in love with Vegas, the potential opportunity, and gaming & hospitality lifestyle. After one of my interviews, I was referred to a recruiter, who sent me on an interview at Konami. I interviewed and was offered the position (contingent on me starting immediately). I started as an administrative coordinator, then moved into system sales, and eventually games sales in 2008. Since then, I have grown with the organization and had the privilege to work with operators in the Tribal, Corporate, and Commercial sectors across the country but, mainly focused in the western region of the US.

You have been working in Konami for 15 years. What have been your greatest achievements in this period?

There are many things I am proud of during my tenure at Konami but, below are some highlights:

-  Working my way up through Konami to one of the few female executives in the company (and industry).

-  Serving as the Vice President and Board Member for Global Gaming Women.

-  I recently received the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award Pay It Forward Award (globalgamingwomen.org).

-  Working with and developing the next generation of gaming leaders (both internally at Konami and industry wide with Global Gaming Women).

-  Partnering with gaming operators throughout the US for casino openings, expansions, and strategic initiatives.

What have been the greatest challenges you had to face during your career?

COVID has been a game changer for all of us (both professionally and personally). I was out on maternity leave and preparing to return to work when the world closed on March 16th. My plans of easing back into work while caring for my newborn son (Will- Born 1/13/20) quickly changed.  Upon my return to work I was quickly promoted to VP Game Sales- Western Region, responsible for additional team members and territories I had never worked with or had been 10+ years since we worked together.

And in general, what have been the greatest changes in the industry since you started?

Gaming is constantly evolving and expanding. Whether it's new functionality (Cashless, Mobile, etc..) or opening new market segments (Sports Betting, Historical Horse Racing, etc..) there's always something new and exciting. I've been fortunate to work on both the games and systems side of our business at Konami. We work tirelessly to provide innovative content and functionality to all our partners and improve the patron overall experience. When I initially started my gaming career; many of the decisions made were relationship based. While relationships and rapport are still critical to successful business partnerships; purchases and decisions are a lot more analytical these days.

You have been recently named as one of this year's "Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40". What can you tell us about this important recognition?

I am extremely grateful and honored to be recognized as one of GGB's "Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40." This award recognizes young professionals making a significant impact in the casino gaming industry. This year's class is especially meaningful and special because, as an industry we have been forced to innovate the way we think, interact with others, and service our customers due to COVID. As an industry we have navigated these challenges together and to be recognized as a leader in this space is truly an honor.