DOWAGIAC, MI – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana has established Four Winds Ventures, which will pursue opportunities in the development, management, and operation of businesses in commercial gaming, hospitality, and related sectors. The company is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Pokagon Band Tribal Council. Pokagon Band citizens and non-citizens, who meet the eligibility requirements, may be appointed to the company’s board.
“The Pokagon Band has had tremendous success operating our Four Winds Casino Resorts at four locations in Michigan and Indiana,” said Matthew Wesaw, Pokagon Band Tribal Council Chairman. “This success has not only generated revenue to support our tribal nation, which helps us provide essential government services to our citizens, but it has created tremendous economic and employment opportunities for surrounding communities and the region. We look forward to growing Four Winds Ventures as we continue to diversify our business holdings, which in addition to gaming and hospitality include architecture, construction, engineering, commercial real estate, and cannabis.”
“We are extremely pleased to leverage our expertise and success in gaming and hospitality for close to 20 years,” said Mary Smith, Chair of the Four Winds Ventures Board and Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos. “Within that timeframe we have developed and expanded four casino resorts, established Four Winds Casinos as the premier gaming destinations in the Midwest, and been recognized among the top ranked casino resorts outside of Las Vegas. We look forward to introducing Four Winds Ventures and partnering with a variety of organizations to advance their business objectives.”
To date, the Pokagon Band Tribal Council has appointed five distinguished executives to the Four Winds Ventures Board. These new directors have decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry and a wealth of relevant expertise. The directors are Mary Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos; Raquel Buari, Executive Vice President of Administration for Four Winds Casinos; Scott Brewer, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs/Government Relations/Security for Four Winds Casinos; Brittany Frenchko, Vice President of Database & Analytics for Four Winds Casinos; and Ronald Sorce, Director of Sales & Catering for Four Winds Casinos.
The Pokagon Band Tribal Council is seeking letters of intent for individuals who are interested in being appointed to the two remaining open seats on the Four Winds Ventures Board. Candidates should have relevant experience in the areas of private sector management, business administration, accounting/banking or law.
