Kenneth Manuel essentially works from home. The CEO of Gila River Resorts & amp, Casinos, was raised in the same neighborhood where he currently works.
AZ Big Media recently recognized Manuel as one of the 23 Most Crucial Minority Business Leaders in the state. This is a significant honor for someone who started their career as a slot attendant in the casino industry in 1994.
AZ Big Media describes his journey as inspiring.
Manuel asserts that diversification in business is unavoidable.
Native American tribes own and operate all casinos in Arizona. While real money online casinos are not legal in Arizona, the state permits social and sweepstakes casinos for its residents.
Michael Gossie, the editor-in-chief of AZ Big Media, asserts that Manuel, along with the other 22 company leaders they spotlighted, were selected due to the impact they are making on the tradition of Arizona’s business community.
People who see diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential rather than just a program are known as “They”. Their efforts and management strengthen both their companies and their communities.
“Manuel conveyed to AZ Big Media that wealth and respect go together,”
“I firmly believe that diversity naturally emerges when there is a fundamental principle of respect. This is something I put into practice through the training I provide, as I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. I consider it an honor to be acknowledged as one of Arizona’s leading figures in diversity. Serving as a role model for people in my community and helping pave the way for aspiring officials fills me with pride.”
Manuel ascends the stairs.
Manuel grew up in Arizona’s Gila River Indian Community. In an interview with the Phoenix Business Journal, he reflected on those times, saying, “There were a lot of struggles.” He revealed that he also has experience in the entertainment and hospitality industries, and noted the positive impact it had on his community. From the start, he has partnered with many of his team members.
Following his initial experience as a slots operator in 1994, he was subsequently promoted to the positions of games officer, casinos director, and then acting casinos producer. There were continued offers for the recent CEO position at Gila River Resorts.
- Sheraton Grand at Gila River & rsquo, s Wild Horse Pass, management
- President of the Board of Directors for Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc.
- 2007 – 2013, 2017 – present member of the Casino Expansion Owners Team
- Expense Committee Chairman
- Part of the Mentorship Committee
While serving as committee chairman, Manuel acquired extensive knowledge of casino hotels.
“I had the opportunity to experience all the different departments, casino operations, and viewpoints from the tribal government.”
Manuel’s management skills and leadership style greatly impressed tribal leaders. This led them to select him as the assistant chief executive officer for the five-year Enterprise Pathways Mentorship Program. Interestingly, he had received professional leadership training in the same program.
For the first time in the Gila River Indian Community, Manuel is appointed as CEO.
In 2017, he made history by becoming the first member of the Gila River Indian Community to be appointed as CEO. He continues to hold this position. Currently, he is also a part of the Casino Expansion Owners Team.
In his role, Manuel supervises the construction of three currently operational gaming properties of Gila River: Lone Butte, Vee Quiva, and the newly renovated Wild Horse Pass. Additionally, he is overseeing the upcoming Santan Mountain Casino, expected to open in late spring or early summer.
Growing up as part of the community has advantaged the CEO. It allows him to perceive any alterations in the Enterprise from both the business and community viewpoints. He demonstrated this when Gila River Hotels & Casinos partnered with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Manuel asserts that thanks to associations with them and other sports teams, the community now provides opportunities for young people that were not accessible to him in his youth.
Today, the Gila River Indian Community’s primary source of income is its participation in the entertainment and hotel industries. This gives them a vested interest in our daily activities, says Manuel.
The Enterprise expressed that Manuel’s leadership, backed by his formal education, hands-on experience, and training – which includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management – has resulted in exceptional growth and development. This has, in turn, significantly contributed to the long-term sustainability and progress of the Gila River Indian Community.
Manuel is a passionate supporter of the team.
Kenneth Manuel has previously garnered media attention. In 2020, he was recognized as one of the Top 30 Directors by Native Business Mag.
Manuel credited both his neighborhood and his coworkers for his success in a statement to the newspaper.
“I’m a strong advocate for teams. There is a profound sense of pride in the neighborhood.”
He also highlighted the importance of a business leader being aware and grounded in the vision, purpose, and mission of a company to the Phoenix Business Journal, regardless of the business type.
“I find it intriguing to see how gaming has improved the quality of life in our community. The profits from the company are utilized to support initiatives such as housing, healthcare, education, and social services.”
Despite this, Manuel has reportedly cultivated a cooperative environment within the Enterprise, motivating and empowering an estimated 3,000 team members, as per the Enterprise.
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