LINCOLN CITY, OR – The Siletz Tribal Council has appointed Samantha McDonald as the new General Manager of Chinook Winds Casino Resort. McDonald brings over 30 years of gaming experience, with 19 years spent in executive roles within Native American gaming.
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, McDonald moved to the U.S. in 1996, where she began her career in the casino industry with a table games position at a casino in Reno, NV. Her extensive background includes serving as General Manager at Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center in Southern California, as well as Assistant General Manager at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, OR.
“We don’t have employees and customers; we have team members and guests,” said McDonald. “My goal is to learn every team member’s name and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for both our team and our guests.”
Her career began in 1994 when she started dealing table games in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was during a cruise that McDonald first encountered a casino and was captivated by the excitement and energy it provided guests. In her extensive career, she also opened the first Irish pub in Mexico, where she introduced Guinness to Cozumel. Later, she founded the West Coast Gaming Academy in Southern California, which she sold in 2004 to return to the casino industry, joining Sycuan Casino.
“I learned so much from Sycuan’s dedication to their team members and community,” said McDonald. “Chinook Winds has a strong reputation for its commitment to both, and I am excited to build on that foundation.”
“The Council is confident that McDonald’s extensive experience and leadership will continue to elevate Chinook Winds Casino Resort as a top destination for guests and a great place for team members to thrive,” said Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley.
