Page 14 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2026

COAST NOTE
We See You
Women Leading Gulf Coast Gaming
Cathy Beeding, LuAnn Pappas and Angi Truebner-Webb
A new regional leadership initiative,
We See You: Women Leading Gulf
Coast Gaming, launched in June with
an inaugural brunch at Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. The event brought together nearly 100 female executives, directors, managers, and emerging leaders from casino and hospitality organizations across Mississippi and Louisiana to celebrate leadership while fostering recognition, mentorship, visibility, and connection.
Founded by LuAnn Pappas, CEO
of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort; Cathy Beeding, president and general manager of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans; and Angi Truebner-Webb, vice president and general manager of Silver Slipper, We See You was created to celebrate the women already leading across Gulf Coast gaming while helping open doors for the next generation of female leaders.
“Women across Gulf Coast gaming
are leading teams, building businesses, mentoring others, solving problems, and shaping the guest experience every day,” said Truebner-Webb. “This event was created to say very clearly, ‘We see you, we value you, and we want to help create stronger connections across our industry.’ What started as an idea became a room filled with connection, inspiration, and celebration. Seeing women from across Mississippi and Louisiana come together to support one another was something I
14 | July 2026
2 | December 2020
will never forget.”
Keynote speaker Brandi Ellis, vice
president of Global Gaming Women,
a national organization focused on supporting, educating, and advancing women in gaming, encouraged attendees to build strong professional networks
and advocate for one another. Ellis, a gaming and hospitality veteran with more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently served as senior vice president of casino marketing for Caesars Entertainment.
Gulf Coast gaming executive Duncan McKenzie also addressed attendees, encouraging the women to strive for more in whatever they do. McKenzie participated in a panel discussion with Pappas, Beeding and Truebner-Webb, with Ellis serving as emcee.
During the brunch, two awards were presented and a third one was introduced. The Say Her Name Award, which recognizes
women who
use their voice,
influence and
relationships to
elevate others and
ensure women
are seen, heard
and considered
for opportunities,
was presented
to Lori Beth
Susman, executive editor and general
manager of Mississippi Gaming News and Jackpot! Magazine.
Presenting the award, Pappas said throughout Susman’s more than 30-year career, she has become one of Mississippi gaming’s most respected storytellers and advocates, helping shine a spotlight on the people, organizations and initiatives that continue to shape the industry.
The Rising Wave Award was presented to LaShonda Matlock, regional
social media manager for PENN Entertainment’s Mississippi properties, including Hollywood Casino Tunica and 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica. The award recognizes an emerging leader whose initiative, leadership and commitment
to inclusion are already helping shape
the future of the gaming industry. Matlock was recognized for her advocacy, professional development efforts and dedication to creating opportunities for women throughout gaming.
Additionally, the Karen Sock Legacy Award was introduced and will become an annual tradition beginning in 2027. This award will honor a woman whose leadership, mentorship, service and dedication embody the values represented throughout the life and career of Sock,
a gaming executive and the first Black female casino general manager, who passed away in April.
Organizers hope the inaugural gathering becomes an annual tradition for the
Gulf Coast gaming community.
story and photos courtesy of Women Leading Gulf Coast Gaming
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