CAMP VERDE, Ariz. – Cliff Castle Casino and the Yavapai-Apache Nation announced Oct. 5 that Trudy Clark, a Yavapai-Apache tribal member, has accepted the position of general manager at Cliff Castle Casino.
Clark is the daughter of Glenn and Nora Lewis, and granddaughter of the late Dixon and Annie Lewis and the late John and Allie Hans, and resides in the Camp Verde tribal community. Clark earned her associate degree from Eastern Arizona College and graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and liberal studies. Prior to accepting the general manager’s position, she worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years and then served as the director of internal audit for Cliff Castle Casino and the Yavapai-Apache Nation, where she conducted routine audits of the casino as well as the nation and all tribal enterprises. Additionally, Clark was part of the original management team that created the goals and developed the strategies that has helped to make Cliff Castle Casino an industry leader in Arizona Indian gaming.
In 2006, Clark was appointed by the Tribal Council to serve as the interim executive director of the Yavapai-Apache Gaming Commission, where she ensured the entire gaming facility operated in compliance with tribal, state and national gaming regulations.
”I applied for the general manager’s position because after 12 years of service to the casino and the nation, I felt that I had the knowledge, experience and leadership that are needed to ensure the continued success of the casino.”
One of Clark’s top priorities is to reinforce the casino’s branding of ”Always Friendly, Always Fun,” and to ensure that the experience for both guests and team members is friendly, fun and encompasses the service expectations for which the casino is known. Additionally, she is focusing on increasing the profit that the casino generates, as well as streamlining the business for efficiency and pursuing the many planned expansion opportunities that will keep Cliff Castle Casino diverse and branded as a family entertainment destination.
”I think that if we are telling guests that we are ‘always friendly and always fun,’ then we need to start executing that kind of service in all of our venues; however, it doesn’t start with the front-line employees, it has to start with management. I want to resurrect the morale that team members had in the past, and like the service, this is a concern that doesn’t start with front-line employees – it has to start with management.”
Another of Clark’s major areas of focus will be on increasing the number of tribal members who work in management and supervisory positions.
”As a tribal member, I have a personal interest in the casino. I understand the importance of casino revenues and how they benefit the nation and all tribal members. I am astute to the per capita plan and the many services offered to our tribal elders and youth. Because of this, I want to see this casino continue to succeed, and I am looking forward to providing the leadership that will guide the operations and service to another level of excellence in Indian gaming. After 12 years of business, I think that it is time to focus on tribal members and help our people succeed. I am confident that with our current tribal management program, we will be able to offer tribal members the means and education needed to pursue management-level positions.”
Clark feels that every position is important to the casino’s organization, regardless if it is front-line, back of house or management. All team members are important and contribute to the casino’s success.
”I feel that it is crucial to train tribal members to become part of the management team. With this in mind, one of my first projects will be to review the human resources department training, recruitment and hiring processes. This is where employment begins for tribal members, and I want to make sure that they are given every opportunity.”
Over the years, Clark has learned the ”ins and outs” of Indian gaming. She is thankful for her work in the internal audit department, where she had the opportunity to learn the comprehensive operations of all departments, as well as all compliance issues. She believes that a thorough marketing plan is key to the success of the casino.
”It starts with the marketing department. They put together the plan for all departments based on market research and analysis of our player database. Marketing has all of the resources which indicate the state of the business and what our guests want and which areas need improvement.”
Clark is looking forward to the many challenges that she faces, and welcomes all tribal members to visit with tribal program administrator Naomi Sorensen or herself to discuss the many employment opportunities available.
Clark believes that her parents and family have been crucial in her employment as the casino’s general manager.
”My family has given me the support and encouragement throughout this entire process. They continue to tell me to believe that anything is possible and that nothing is worth pursuing unless you are going to give it 100 percent. I also appreciate the nation … giving me the opportunity to help be part of the continued success of Cliff Castle Casino.”
