Relevant group Global Gaming Women (GGW) communicated Cassie Stratford has been elected as the incoming board president by the Board of Directors to begin her term effective July 2021. She currently serves as VP of Legal Affairs and Assistant General Counsel for Boyd Gaming Corporation.
Established by the American Gaming Association (AGA) to create a broad network that allows peers to connect with their colleagues, GGW’s goal is for female gaming professionals to learn from one another, create lasting connections and nurture emerging women leaders. The entity has also included five new members to the Board of Directors for 2021-2023 period: Dorothy Costa (SVP of People and Transformation, IGT); Jacqueline Grace (SVP and General Manager, Caesars Entertainment); Grainne Hurst (Director of Corporate Affairs, Entain Group); Siobhan Lane (CCO, Scientific Games), and Kate White (VP of Business Intelligence and IT Program Management, Penn National Gaming).
About her designation, Stratford commented: “GGW has become what it is today because of the dedication of its founding board members and sponsors in supporting and encouraging the professional advancement of women in gaming. It is such an exciting time for our industry, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with this impressive group of leaders to continue to fulfill GGW’s important mission.”
Meanwhile, Christie Eickelman, GGW past board president and VP of Global Marketing for GLI, stated: “Thanks to the dedication of our Board members and the generosity of our sponsors, GGW is stronger than ever. Women around the world have benefitted from Global Gaming Women, and we still have work to do. I am thrilled for Cassie to assume the mantle of leadership, to build on our achievements, and to take women in gaming to new heights.”
GGW membership represents women in commercial, tribal, suppliers, lottery, tourism and digital. The organization currently has more than 6,000 professional women as members. GGW has a presence in 42 states and 12 countries, with members in the following job level categories: 21% of front line leaders, 30% of supervisors and managers, 25% of directors, and 25% of vice president or above positions. In addition to its traditional offerings, development programs now include Lean-In circles and virtual masterclasses.