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Take Your Casino Career to the Next Level

Building the future of casino and hospitality through community, connection and insight.

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Learn and connect with today's leaders in the casino and hospitality industry.

Get Advice From
The Best

The latest career insights how you want them. Browse articles, explore our videos or listen in to our podcast.

Fostering Tomorrow’s
Casino Leaders

Next Level Casino Careers is a dedicated resource hub providing support, events and thought leadership to aspiring casino and hospitality professionals. Powered by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, NLCC looks to help you take your casino career to the next level by tapping into industry leaders to provide insights on today’s gaming and hospitality needs, trends and future outlooks.

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Previous Speakers

Peter Arceo

Peter Arceo

Chief Gaming Officer, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Hector Fernandez

Hector Fernandez

CEO of Aristocrat Gaming

Corey Norkin

Corey Norkin

SVP of Global Partnerships, LA Dodgers

Afsi Bird

Afsi Bird

VP of Hotel Operations for Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel

Bo Bernhard

Bo Bernhard

VP of Economic Development at UNLV

Jan Jones Blackhurst

Jan Jones Blackhurst

Former Mayor of Las Vegas

Andrew Parnell

Andrew Parnell

President of LaneTerralever

Tracee Nalewak

Tracee Nalewak

Giraldo - Chief Growth Officer at UrVenue

Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez

VP Head of Industry | Travel & Gambling for SXM Media

Matt Wilson

Matt Wilson

CEO of Light & Wonder

Jennifer Lodge - SVP Forbes Travel Guide, The Americas

Jennifer Lodge

SVP Forbes Travel Guide, The Americas

Alexis Ginas - President of iHeart Media, Los Angeles

Alexis Ginas

President of iHeart Media, Los Angeles

Bill Pedigo - Chief Commercial Officer at ocV!BE

Bill Pedigo

Chief Commercial Officer at ocV!BE

Toni Pepper - Chief Information Technology Officer at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Toni Pepper

Chief Information Technology Officer at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Joe Pulizzi

Joe Pulizzi

Founder of The Tilt & Best-Selling Author

Bob Boughner

Bob Boughner

Private Investor & Longtime Boyd Gaming Executive

Explore Our
Video Library

Industry advice right from the source. From marketing to sales to retail and more, we sit down with today’s leaders so you can learn for tomorrow.

Stephen Lind, Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication at USC Marshall School of Business

Stephen Lind is an Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication at USC's Marshall School of Business, where he teaches courses in business communication. His teaching encompasses strategic messaging, technology in touch, consulting, and refining speaking and writing skills for business contexts.

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Heather Jimenez, Learning & Development Manager for San Manuel

Heather Jimenez is the Learning & Development Manager for San Manuel and has dedicated over 13 years to team building, educational advancement, and employee retention. In this episode she discussed the power of self-awareness, how to build relationships to maximize team efforts, and her passion to serve others.

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Melanie Johnson, Director of HR, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Melanie Johnson has had an expansive career across hospitality as a people-first leader. Serving most of her career in operations, Melanie brings a unique perspective on the role of HR and how leaders can be successful in today's environment.

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Drew Dixon, VP of Entertainment Operations

Drew Dixon has made a life's work putting on some of the most amazing shows throughout the world. Drew currently is the VP of Entertainment Operations at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

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Margie Ferree Jones, Interim dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management

Perhaps best known as “the wine professor”, Dr. Jones is a certified wine educator (CWE) and a certified sommelier (CS). She has taught courses in strategic leadership, marketing, special events, food & beverage, and hotel/resort planning & development.

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Casino Coins

Next Level Podcast

Episode 1

Peter Arceo
Yaamava' Resort & Casino General Manager

Join us as Peter Arceo gives insight to the casino industry for anyone from beginners to seasoned professionals.

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Spotify

Join Our Next Virtual Event

We are working on bringing another Next Level Casino Careers virtual event to you. Check back for updated dates and information.

Leadership Learnings

Browse our blog for career advice and inspiring stories of success.

Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Role of HR in Leadership and Employee Growth
Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Role of HR in Leadership and Employee Growth
Featuring Heather Jimenez, Manager of Professional Development and Internships at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Navigating Early Hospitality Careers: Insights from Margie Ferree Jones
Navigating Early Hospitality Careers: Insights from Margie Ferree Jones
Featuring Margie Ferree Jones, Dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management
Cultivating Growth in the Workplace: Embracing Culture & Diversity
Cultivating Growth in the Workplace: Embracing Culture & Diversity
Featuring Melanie Johnson, Director of Human Resources at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Finding Success through NLCC

Kathy Forester

Kathy Forester

Controller | Gaming Properties

I was on the fence about leaving a place where I felt content with where I was in my career. However, I recall listening to one of the Next Level Casino Careers panelists (Lori) talk about how we must accept new challenges in order to grow. Now, I can attest that Lori was right.

Patrick Taylor

Patrick Taylor

Interactive Graphic Designer

Through the panel discussions I learned about the innovative culture at Yaamava'’ and their Next Level initiative that promotes innovative ideas from all team members. For me, continual improvement is an ongoing goal, so hearing “anyone can innovate” from an employer that values input from team members was very attractive from a career perspective.

Grow Your Career at Yaamava'

Are you ready to level up? Browse open positions and come work for Southern California’s premier resort and casino.