Navajo Gaming Hires John James as Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Tribal Gaming Executive Brings Decades of Experience Enhancing Teams in California, Washington and Arizona

(Flagstaff, Ariz. – June 17, 2024) – Quincy Natay, Chairman of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recent appointment of John James as Chief Executive Officer. James joins a strong executive team that oversees operations for the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, Fire Rock Navajo Casino, Northern Edge Navajo Casino, Flowing Water Navajo Casino and the Navajo Blue Travel Plaza.

“Navajo Gaming has grown to a multi-million-dollar enterprise over the past 15 years," stated Natay. “John James brings extensive gaming and management experience and leadership qualities to lead Navajo Gaming. James has been widely recognized as the industry’s ‘best of the best’ for his exceptional strategic and positive impact. He will stimulate continued growth and success for Navajo Gaming as we remain focused on job creation and enhancing the Navajo economy.”

John James brings more than two decades of professional gaming and hospitality experience to Navajo Gaming. He previously served as CEO of River Rock Entertainment Authority in Geyserville California. There he exemplified his strong leadership skills by identifying and implementing innovative operational improvements to grow revenue while improving morale through thoughtful strategic direction and mentoring.

Prior to that, he led numerous tribal casinos including serving as CEO of Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Washington, CEO of Soboba Casino Resort in California, COO of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in California, and CEO for Gila River Gaming Enterprises in Arizona. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions for Seminole Gaming, Inc., Pechanga Resort and Casino and various successful Station Casino properties.

As CEO of Navajo Gaming John James will oversee and manage Navajo Gaming properties in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as to ensure that Navajo Gaming policies and objectives are met. His three main objectives are to strengthen Navajo Gaming and the hospitality economy, return revenue to the Navajo Nation and provide additional jobs to members of the Navajo Nation.

James said he considers it a privilege to be a part of the Navajo Gaming team.

“I am honored to serve Navajo Gaming’s team and guests under the stewardship of the board and alongside such a strong management team,” said James. “Our industry is transforming rapidly and there is tremendous opportunity for Navajo Gaming to capitalize on opportunities, elevate guest experiences and solidify our reputation as exceptional destinations where memories are made.”

To learn more about Navajo Gaming’s properties visit www.NavajoGaming.com

About The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise:

NNGE is a Navajo Nation wholly owned business entity created by the Navajo Nation in September 2006 to develop and operate Navajo casinos in accordance with federal and Navajo Nation laws, as well as the negotiated Navajo Nation-applicable state compacts (New Mexico and Arizona).

Employing 1,200 employees, NNGE operates four casinos and a travel plaza in New Mexico and Arizona, opening its first property, the Fire Rock Navajo Casino near Gallup, New Mexico, in November 2008. Within five years, three additional properties were added, as well as a travel plaza – Flowing Water Navajo Casino (October 2010); Northern Edge Navajo Casino (January 2012); Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort (May 2013); Navajo Blue Travel Plaza (September 2020).

Navajo Gaming is one of many Navajo Nation-owned and operated enterprises that is charged with the mission of creating jobs, increasing revenues, and stimulating incremental economic development within the Navajo Nation.