Executive Director of Marketing

Kenneth Johnson said he feels honored to have been part of all the opening and design teams for Navajo Gaming Properties and Navajo Blue Travel Plaza.

“My first job with Navajo Gaming was with Fire Rock Navajo Casino,” Johnson said. “I heard Navajo was going to start in gaming, so I went to Gallup, New Mexico, to the NNGE Corporate Office to apply and was interviewed and hired on the spot. I asked when I could start, and they said ‘now.’ I had to give my employer the courtesy of two weeks and apply for my gaming license. Then I started soon after in the marketing department as the Database Manager.”

Johnson grew up on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, AZ. His maternal clan is Tó Dích’íi’nii — Bitter Water, his paternal clan is Tábąąhí — Water’s Edge. His Cheii’s are Tsé Ńjíkiní — Cliff Dweller
and his Nali’s are Áshįįhí — Salt Clan.

Johnson’s first job was as a laborer/landscaper for Warner’s Nursery. He earned his college degree at Arizona State University.

“My schooling helped me develop valuable business skills related to finance and marketing,” he said. “And my mentor at the casino level has been Bryce Warren, who helped me become a leader and challenged me to be a better leader for my team.”

Johnson has climbed the ladder in the marketing department at Navajo Gaming, first as a Database Manager, then as Players Club Manager at Northern Edge Navajo Casino. They transferred him to Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort as Players Club Manager. He became Director of Marketing and management promoted him to NNGE as the Executive Director of Marketing in his current position.

In his spare time, he loves to spend quality time with his wife and two boys. Johnson also loves to golf and attend live sporting events and concerts in northern Arizona.

“For both me and my wife, living in Flagstaff has given us the opportunity to be closer to family on the Navajo Reservation.”