Southern Region Education Sub-Committee

The Southern Region Education Sub-Committee is responsible for working with the GGW Education & Training Committee to plan and execute regional Front Line Leader and Leadership Development conferences that are part of the structured Education Pyramid classes that focus on personal and professional growth.


 

M. Carole Brand has worked as an attorney in the gaming industry since it was legalized in Mississippi in 1990.  She has served in a leadership role in all aspects of the industry.  As Director of the Gaming Control Division of the Office of the Attorney General, Carole was instrumental in drafting, implementing and enforcing gaming regulations, overseeing licensure of new properties, managing the licensure of persons involved in the industry, directing legal matters before the commission and administering the division.  As Vice President and General Counsel for Beau Rivage Resorts, Inc. in Biloxi, Mississippi, she was responsible for all legal matters arising during the construction and operation of the resort. Upon acquisition by MGM Resorts of Mandalay Bay, she also assumed oversight of Goldstrike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast Carole worked to ensure that legal matters regarding the closure and rebuild of Beau Rivage were addressed and handled correctly.  She later joined the Phelps Dunbar LLP gaming law team and represented gaming clients in all gaming related matters.  In 2014 Carole joined the Pearl River Resort team in managing three casinos, three hotels, a 36 hole golf course and club, a waterpark and an Exxon station; thus, expanding her knowledge base to include tribal gaming and Federal Indian law.  She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel of Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise. Carole is a recognized speaker on gaming law.  Carole is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi. 



Paula Eylar-Lauzon is a proven Executive with more than 30 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality sector. In her role of Senior Vice President Administration for Boyd Gaming Corporation, she is responsible for leading the Human Resources, Benefits, Risk Management, Emergency Management, Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Sustainability and Document Retention practices for Boyd Gaming’s 24 properties nationwide. While focusing on continuous improvement, operational efficiencies, and team member engagement, Paula also works with her Management Team to develop strategic and tactical planning, in alignment with the Company’s goals. Paula began her career in hotel operations with Embassy Suites. After briefly serving in a management position at Boyd Gaming, Paula held positions at Harrah’s Entertainment, Bally’s Las Vegas and the Rio. She rejoined Boyd Gaming in 1999, was promoted to Vice President Internal Audit in May 2003 and has since held a number of positions.


Meaghan Ryan currently works as the Vice President of Human Resources for Seminole Gaming. As a trusted, collaborative, and strategic business partner, her role is to deliver and develop world class talent throughout the organization. In this role, she partners with all aspects of the human resources organization to include recruitment, training, compensation, HRIS, team member relations, and health & wellness. Prior to her time with Seminole Gaming, Meaghan spent eight years in various Human Resources roles at Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Cincinnati. Meaghan started at the Las Vegas Corporate office on the Talent Acquisition team, holding various roles on the executive recruitment team. She then served as the HR Manager for Harrah’s New Orleans before becoming a part of the opening team at Horseshoe Cincinnati. In this new role, she was integral in the recruitment and hiring of 1,700 employees, as well as partnering with property leaders to ensure the entire team was prepared and operationally ready for a successful and on-time grand opening. She left Caesars Entertainment as the Vice President of Human Resources for Horseshoe Cincinnati.


 
Susan Varnes, Chief Operating Officer, Treasure Bay Casino


Simone Harrison, Senior Vice President - Lottery Group, Scientific Games


  Ervina Capricien, Director of Human Resources – Seminole Classic Casino