Page 57 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

Tina Peltier
17 years at Island View
Director of
Compliance:
Monitor
and oversee
compliance with
state and federal
regulations, company policies, and industry standards on all gaming- related matters. Responsibility includes preparing government reports and submitting all required filings. Work with departments to ensure compliance and update policies, procedures, and internal controls to keep them current with regulations and industry standards.
What is one of the greatest obstacles you’ve overcome
in your career? When I
think of career obstacles, I immediately think of the constant changes in the gaming industry. In compliance, we deal with
state regulations down to the equipment on the casino floor. Keeping up with the changes and juggling requirements to keep
the casino compliant can take time and effort. To overcome these obstacles regularly, it takes the teamwork of all my fellow casino co-workers and the drive to accomplish everyday jobs and the large projects we undertake.
Kathy Santiago
10 years at Island View
Director
of Player
Relations
& Business
Development:
Duties include
but are not limited to community and player relationships. Oversee specialized projects and diverse efforts dedicated to enhancing guest experience and growing the business. Provide support to all departments when necessary.
What is something interesting about you that not many people know? One of my first professional jobs right out of school was working for Burt Reynolds
and Hal Needham’s Skoal Bandit Racing, traveling the NASCAR circuit in a marketing capacity, which at the time was known as the Winston Cup Series.
Laura Graham
21 years at Island View
Controller:
Oversee all of
Island View’s
daily accounting
functions.
Manage the
accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing and revenue audit departments. Coordinate and prepare the internal and external financial statements. Manage outsourced functions such as external audits and external tax preparation.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your current career?
I have always loved math and puzzles. As a senior in high school, I took my first accounting class and knew that’s what I wanted to do instantly. I enjoy looking at complex problems and breaking them down to figure out the logical answer.
I find that the casino industry is dynamic and exciting and always allows me to be challenged.
Cheryl Millender
3 years at Island View
Director
of Human
Resources:
Provide
leadership
and guidance
to the entire organization
through program development, implementation, and administration to support casino goals and objectives. Manage
all human resource functions, which includes organizational development, training, compensation, employee relations, employee benefits,recruitment and retention, internal communication, and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
What advice would you give to young female entrepreneurs? Always be open to learning from those who have obtained success in their respective career field. Early in your career, seek out a mentor who is willing to help you grow personally and professionally.
Sierra Murphey-Wade
9 years at Island View
Director
of Hotel
Operations:
Responsible for
hotel operations,
which is divided
into two main areas: Front of the house operations, comprised of departments including front desk, valet, bell services, transportation, public area cleanliness, and
spa operations. Back of house operations is housekeeping and reservations/call center. The most important part of the job is leading, motivating, training, problem solving, budgeting and scheduling.
What is it that you like best about what you do in your position? Things are constantly changing and there’s never a dull moment! Hotel operations is like
a theater production. An immense amount of advance preparation is required, and when guests arrive and the curtain rises, it’s show time. When everything goes well, the guest experience is a beautifully choreographed production that generates rave reviews.
Kathy Murphree
17 years at Island View
Director
of Cage
Operations:
Direct and
lead a team of
cashiers, bankers
and an exceptional management team in the day-to-day operations of a cash-based industry. Responsible for balancing the giant checkbook every shift, and accountable for every debit and credit to the casino bankroll.
What moment from your life made the biggest impact on your career? I was relatively new to the gaming industry when I took a leap of faith to move from New Jersey to Mississippi and joined a casino opening team as a brand new supervisor. I was exposed to the big picture, and learned how every department contributes to the success of a casino. There
were tough lessons, but my time in Tunica was invaluable, and shaped the course of my career.
Jacqueline
Seavey
“Chef Jackie”
17 years at Island View
Executive
Sous Chef: As-
sist in overseeing
all aspects of kitchen operations and provide management guid- ance to each manager (and staff) for multiple food outlets across the property. Monitor food quality and ensure food safety and sanitation. Develop and write recipes/specs, product research. Responsible for the catering needs of VIP parties and special events. Compete in lo- cal, regional and national culinary competitions.
What are your greatest successes? My greatest successes are my children and husband, financial security, my recipes being featured in our restaurants, and with the help of my IVC team, becoming the 2018 World Food Champion.
Lieu Hoang
16 years at Island View
Director of
Finance:
Oversee daily
operations of
accounting
department,
including general ledger, AP, AR, purchasing, shipping/receiving, payroll, financial planning and analysis.
What are your favorite things to do on the coast? I love to fish! I take advantage of the wonderful restaurants we have here on the coast. I like to gamble, shop and hang out at the pool — but not necessarily in that order.
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