Casino Journal is one of the best, if not the best, publication that covers the North American casino and gambling industry. One of their most prestigious awards is the annual Executive of the Year. With so much emphasis placed on new technology, big payouts, and flashy games, sometimes the people behind the magic can get a little lost (although with their salaries I’m sure they don’t mind.) When it comes down to it, the executives are responsible for making sure casinos and casino resorts make money. They are ultimately responsible for customer satisfaction, growth of this company, and the employees who depend on the jobs created by the casino. (In this economic environment, that last one is very important.)

This year Virginia McDowell was chosen by Casino Journal to be the 2009 Gaming Executive of the Year. Ms. McDowell serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. Most who have traveled the south or are familiar with the regional casino scene in the United States, have heard, and probably visited, an Isle of Capri Casino. They are a very popular brand littered throughout the Gulf of Mexico region with some of their most popular casino hotels in Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as riverboat casinos in other markets.

Casino Journal takes pride in the Gaming Executive of the year award and finds there are many qualified candidates. However this year was different. “There are a lot of stellar executives in this industry, and every year this award presents us with some tough choices, but this year was easy,” stated publisher of Casino Journal, Charles Anderer. Casino Journal found that Ms. McDowell’s leadership of the Isle of Casino brand has seen it come through the rough economic conditions facing the country. She has seen a growth in revenue mostly due to a strengthening of capital position and consolidating its brands. Casino Journal also has taken notice of her outreach to the community and her status a role model (especially to women) in the field of leading publicly traded companies. With executives like Virginia McDowell, it is no wonder why the Isle of Capri casinos are one of the most popular regional casinos in the United States.

Tags: casino, gambling, online