Veteran hospitality executive brings more than 30 years of experience to the Tribe’s investment division
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has named Kathy George as chief executive of its Four Winds Ventures investment arm.
George has more than 30 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality sector and also has extensive experience serving Tribal Nations. She is the daughter of a Seneca Nation father from New York and a Tuscarora Nation mother from Ontario, Canada.
Most recently, she served as president of Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina for the Catawba Nation. Prior to that she was CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, and its owned subsidiary businesses for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians.
She also served as general manager for the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls and temporary casino at Buffalo Creek in Buffalo, New York.
“On behalf of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council, I am pleased to welcome Kathy George as chief executive officer of Four Winds Ventures,” said Matthew Wesaw, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana. “She is one of the most respected leaders in the gaming and hospitality industry, with an exceptional track record of operational excellence, strategic vision, and developing strong teams.
“Just as importantly, she understands the unique role Tribal enterprises play in creating opportunities and further diversifying our economic portfolio.”
Mary Smith, chair of the Four Winds Ventures Board and president and CEO of Four Winds Casinos, added: “Kathy brings a proven tracked record and a myriad of skills in the development and management of tribally-owned assets. Her extensive experience and proven leadership make her the ideal person to guide Four Winds Ventures into its next phase of development.”
Commenting on her appointment, George said: “I am very excited to join Four Winds Ventures and support the long-term goals of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The Pokagon Band’s Four Winds Casinos have set a high standard for gaming and hospitality in the Midwest and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors as we pursue investment and consulting opportunities to advance our business objectives.”
Four Winds Ventures was established last year to pursue investment and consulting opportunities in the development, management, and operation of businesses in commercial gaming, hospitality and related sectors.