The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde member will be the first woman named to the role in the casino’s 27-year history.
GRAND RONDE, Ore. (March 17, 2023) – The Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc (SMGI) Board of Directors named Camille Mercier its next CEO. Mercier begins the job on May 1, replacing interim CEO Bruce Thomas.
The Board acknowledged Mercier’s depth of experience, education, ongoing professional development and commitment to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde as significant factors in its decision.
“We are proud to be able to hire a skilled, experienced Grand Ronde tribal member to such an important and high-profile role,” says SMGI Board of Directors Chairman Andy Jenness. “Camille is eminently qualified to take the helm at Spirit Mountain and create long-term success for the casino, the tribe and the broader community.”
Mercier has more than 27 years of experience in tribal and non-tribal casinos, 22 of which have been in executive-level positions. Most recently, Mercier served as assistant chief executive officer, a role designated in SMGI’s strategic succession plan for the interim CEO. In that role, she focused on creating efficiencies for Spirit Mountain’s business operations through strategic planning, developing better collaboration and communication processes, and evaluating new opportunities.
“I began my career at Spirit Mountain, and I’m proud to be an enrolled tribal member,” added Mercier. “I have a strong desire to ensure our success and aim to do so through collaboration, communication and supporting our most important resource – our people.”
The Board of Directors worked with the Spirit Mountain executive team to create a clear CEO succession plan prioritizing stability and continuity. Mercier’s hire is the culmination of that plan and positions the casino for growth.
##
About Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc
Spirit Mountain Casino, an entity of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, was created to enhance economic self-sufficiency opportunities for the tribe, its members and surrounding communities. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is committed to honoring the tribal traditions of sharing and giving back to the community. In 1997, as an effort to uphold these traditions, the tribe formed the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, dedicating six percent of all casino revenue to non-profit organizations in western Oregon. The grants are awarded in the following categories: education, health care, arts & culture, environmental protection, historical preservation, public safety and problem gaming. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund have awarded more than $92 million in grants with this year’s contributions.
Kelli Matthews
Spirit Mountain Casino
Kelli@vervenorthwest.com