London (February 7, 2024) – During the ICE London gaming show, Raving CEO & Owner Deana Scott received the 2024 Chairman’s Leadership Award from Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman and national spokesperson for the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) in Washington, D.C. The two other recipients were Danielle Her Many Horses, Deputy Executive Director, General Counsel, Indian Gaming Association and Denise Harvey, Tribal Council, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Scott leads Native-owned Raving and Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Magazine. Since 1998, Raving has provided gaming and hospitality services and custom training, conducted annual popular industry conferences, and produced thought-leading publications.
This award acknowledges efforts made by industry leaders that assist in rebuilding communities through Indian self-reliance. Scott was invited to the international gaming show to moderate the session Navigating International Markets: Challenges and Triumphs. She is also covering the event for Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Magazine.
In receiving the award, Scott stated, “Sincere thanks to Chairman Stevens and the Indian Gaming Association. I’m honored to receive the 2024 Chairman’s Leadership Award. Working in an industry that continues to lead in growing future leaders is a privilege. I’m grateful to have the platform to tell the stories of the excellent work in Indian gaming!”
A History of Work for Tribal Organizations
Scott has been a passionate advocate for tribal enterprises for close to three decades. She has focused her career on being a forward-thinking and trusted resource for tribes and encouraging authentic and candid conversations to further the industry’s success. A patented inventor, Scott has spent her career in tribal gaming focused on operations, marketing, and project planning. Before ownership of Raving, she held strategic positions as a General Manager and Corporate Marketing Executive and has hands-on experience in the start-up and expansion of numerous business ventures.
Margaret Simpson, MHA, CPC, CEO, CEDCO: The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, added in response to the news, “The entire team here at the Mill Casino is so proud to say that Deana’s journey toward this prestigious and well-deserved award started here. We are all elated and inspired by the fact that her commitment to the socio-economic prosperity of indigenous people is so graciously being recognized by Indian Country and the Indian Gaming Association in particular. As someone who started a career with Deana several decades ago, I am intimately aware of Deana’s passion and heart for the intricate work of cultivating leadership in Tribal Gaming. The journey that has led Deana to this achievement has been one of resiliency, lifelong learning, and serving others, resulting in many purpose-driven leaders who will help shape our communities for generations. I am overjoyed that her commitment and impact are being recognized and celebrated on this level. We look forward to witnessing Deana’s continued work in the development and ultimate inspiration of tribal leaders. Congratulations from home… you deserve it!”
About the Indian Gaming Association
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Indian Gaming Association seeks to protect and preserve tribal sovereignty and support economic self-sufficiency through gaming and other forms of economic development as an educational, legislative, and public policy resource.
About Raving
Raving is a full-service, Native-owned casino and hospitality company that has worked with clients globally since 1998. Gaming and hospitality clients come to Raving to find a solution or to fix a problem. Raving provides custom solutions that help Tribal and commercial organizations build a casino, a better leadership team, or a strategic marketing plan. The team assists with data analytics, player development, guest service, technology, business optimization, leadership planning, gaming operations, hospitality, and more. Raving has helped hundreds of gaming organizations reduce spending, increase revenues, and build sustainable programs. Raving has been a forerunner in relevant and thought-leading education, conducting annual conferences, including the Casino Marketing & Technology Conference, Host and Player Development Conference and Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations and Leadership Conference. They also produce the Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Magazine and newsletter – written by operators for operators.