The “Emerging Leaders of Gaming” announced the annual selection of the Class of 2021’s “40 Under 40” — executive’s recognized for their pivotal role in the gaming industry.
Marvin Phillips, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort’s Director of Information Technology, was nominated and selected.The award is sponsored by The Innovation Group, dedicated to shaping and propelling the gaming industry by influencing strategy, technology and the leaders of tomorrow. Phillips is responsible for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort’s Information Technology infrastructure – the team he leads develops the cyber-security and technology strategy for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s gaming operation.
“Mitigating risk is my job, 24/7,” remarked Phillips, “Cyber-security threats evolve rapidly, and we have to meet that challenge by protecting our guests and our investments. Our guests’ expectations change every day, too and we need to always be on the forefront of emerging guest-facing technologies. This field is exciting, it’s why I’ve stayed for so long, and while I’m still “under 40,” it’s how I hope to spend the rest of my career.”
Phillips joined the AMCR as a Summer Analyst Intern while studying Information Technology at Morrisville State College. Nominated by the Casino’s General Manager, Emily Lauzon, whose says, “Phillips is a visionary leader who has propelled his career in IT infrastructure, security, compliance and disaster preparedness.”
Lauzon went in to say that Phillips has always been determined to dedicate his education and experience where his family calls home, in Akwesasne. “We are incredibly proud of Marvin’s commitment to this entire organization. It’s so important to recognize how fortunate we are to have one of gaming’s top young executives on our team.” Phillips’ role is integral to the long-term strategy of the casino, and he leads the team that ensures business plans of the company are supported through technology by establishing direction and executing the implementation of a portfolio of Marketing, Guest Relations, Operations and next-generation Gaming products.
The vendor and partner relationships established during his tenure, combined with his commitment to excellence and leadership, set Phillips apart from the crowd.
Throughout his career, the IT executive never forgets the importance of his team, his community and the importance of the revenue generation that Indian Gaming brings to the table. Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (AMCR) is owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe of Akwesasne, NY. The property includes 130,000 square feet of gaming with more than 1,100 of the newest slot and video poker titles, and a large selection of table games. There are three food venues, which include the Sticks Sports Bar & Grill, The Tavern and Cedars Coffee featuring Starbucks™ beverages. In addition, AMCR offers a 150-room hotel, which features banquet rooms, meeting space, and an indoor pool. AMCR is the premier resort destination in New York’s North Country.