After transitioning through a variety of roles at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos since she started back in 2007, Mary Smith was thrilled to accept her new role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) this year. After 17 years in the making, Smith has worked her way through several positions in different departments to grow as a professional and learn the ins and outs of Four Winds. As a Pokagon Citizen invested in all growth opportunities for her tribe, she felt drawn to pursuing a career at Four Winds before the construction of the first casino.
“I have been actively involved with my tribe my entire life, even before federal recognition when we didn't have programs and services available for our people. In 2007, when the New Buffalo location – our first property – was approved and under construction, I was at Indiana University South Bend finishing college,” Smith said. “I wanted to get a foot in the door so I could continue to be part of the growth opportunities for the tribe. I started in an entry-level position, and over the years, I continued to work my way up.”
Securing her first job at Four Winds while finishing her college education, Smith has held successive roles of increasing responsibility including Financial Analyst, Assistant Property Shift Manager, Property Shift Manager, Director of Hotel Operations, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations and Development, and Executive Vice President of Casino Operations, prior to becoming COO. Smith is grateful she’s worked in nearly every department as those experiences have given her a comprehensive perspective of the building blocks that enable Four Winds to flourish. Ultimately, as Four Winds thrives, it supports her tribe and enriches surrounding communities.
“Thinking back to our Pokagon ancestors who didn’t have the opportunity to see our nation flourish, I feel that I owe it to them and their legacy to work hard and sustain opportunities for our tribe,” Smith said. “Here at Four Winds, we also embrace philanthropic endeavors. We always want to give back to the community. We do that through donations to various local charities like Beacon Children's Hospital in South Bend. Giving back has impacted our surrounding communities at all four of our properties.”
In addition to making a difference for her tribe and community, Smith loves interacting with all Four Winds employees to learn their backgrounds, encourage them to strive toward their goals, and see them happy. Her proudest accomplishment during her tenure at Four Winds is being part of the team that led the expansion of the South Bend property.
“In March of 2023, I was Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations and Development, and we celebrated the completed expansion of our South Bend property including our 23-story hotel, Cedar Spa, and Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center, which is over 20,000 square feet. “I worked on the planning and the actual build itself, so it was gratifying to see the project come together,” Smith said. “It is by far my favorite memory since I’ve been here. It took a lot of sweat and tears, and seeing it completed from both sides is a rare opportunity.”
While her position as COO keeps her busy, Smith knows that family time is crucial and she prioritizes spending time with her husband, kids, and loved ones. After a long day of work, Smith enjoys walking through her garden to wind down, deadheading her flowers to keep them healthy, and planting old favorites like petunias along with new, exotic flowers.
For more information about Four Winds Casinos, visit its website at fourwindscasino.com.
