News

TULSA, Okla. (August 23, 2023)- Two Choctaw Nation associates were honored with achievement awards at the 2023 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference in Tulsa this week.

The United Women in Gaming Association recognized Senior Executive Officer of Commerce Janie Dillard with the Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary vision and lasting impact in the tribal gaming industry. Dillard has been with Choctaw Nation for over 41 years and played a pivotal role in the Nation’s expansion into casinos and gaming.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award and to be recognized for my commitment to bettering and protecting tribal gaming,” Dillard said. “During the time I’ve worked for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I’ve seen the number of women in the gaming industry grow by leaps and bounds. I’m excited to continue seeing that growth and to work to advance opportunities for women in gaming.”

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association awarded Erica Kosemund, senior director of gaming brand and partnerships for Choctaw Nation, with the “Modern Day Warrior” Award for “dedicating tireless effort and support to champion the cause of Oklahoma Tribal Government Gaming.”

“I’m thankful to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association for honoring me with this award,” Kosemund said. “I care deeply about the work we’ve done at Choctaw Nation to push tribal gaming forward through our partnerships, and it’s an honor to have that work noticed and appreciated.”

Kosemund has worked for Choctaw Nation since 2016, growing the nation’s brand with more than 21 partnerships that include the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers.

About Choctaw Casinos & Resorts  

Owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 208,000 tribal members and 12,000 employees. Choctaw Casinos feature a variety of gaming, hotel and resort properties throughout southeastern Oklahoma. Locations include Durant, Grant, Pocola, Idabel, Broken Bow, McAlester, Stigler and Stringtown. The Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant underwent a $500 million expansion in August 2021 that added 1,000 more rooms and created 1,000 new jobs. In addition to the increased room capacity, the Sky Tower also features an expanded non-smoking gaming floor and fresh amenities such as new pools, a parking garage, retail space, entertainment options and dining venues. For more information, visit www.ChoctawCasinos.com.

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