Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises hosted its annual team member recognition luncheon on Feb. 2 with carnival games, caricature drawings, prizes, delicious food and the top enterprise awards of the year. 

3 Takeaways: 

• The annual team member recognition celebration was held inside the Salt River Grand Ballroom at the Talking Stick Resort and Casino.
• Awards such as the Enrolled Community Member of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and many more were presented. 
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier and Vice-President Ricardo Leonard provided speeches and blessings during the luncheon. 

As the saying goes, when you work hard, you must also play hard.

Every year, leaders of the Salt River Gaming Enterprises take time out to celebrate the staff members who make Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort one of the finest hospitality venues in the country. 

This year was no different.

On Feb. 2 at the Talking Stick Resort and Casino, inside the Salt River Grand Ballroom, the Salt River Gaming Enterprises held its annual team member recognition celebration.

Awards were handed out in the following categories: 

• Lifesaver Award
• Supervisor of the Year
• Team Member of the Year
• Enrolled Community Member of the Year
• Safety Committee Award

Additionally, the recent 2025 graduates of the Pathways to Success program were honored during the luncheon. The program provides enrolled SRPMIC members training to prepare for line-level, managerial and executive roles in the gaming and hospitality industry. 

The Speeches

Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort President and CEO John Dinius spoke first. Upon his arrival, he looked at the packed crowd of gaming employees in attendance and jokingly asked his management team, “Do we have enough people out there on the floor taking care of our guests?” He was informed by directors that both casinos were appropriately staffed during the luncheon. 

Dinius said, “We celebrate our team members, who turn our core values into visible actions throughout the year. I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the leadership, dedication and courage you all bring to the SRPMIC Gaming Enterprises. Your work contributes directly to the strength and prosperity of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.”

Later, SRPMIC President Martin Harvier provided some additional words. 

“I just want to say how grateful I am to be here,” began Harvier. He revealed that Salt River Gaming Enterprises is a major financial contributor that ensures the continued ascension and improvement of the SRPMIC. 

He added, “I also want to thank your spouses for allowing you to be here with us and sharing your talents with the Community. I have a jacket [with] the Casino Arizona logo on it. I don’t know how many times people have stopped me to tell me, ‘Hey, I’ve been there, that’s a great place.’ That makes me proud, because it’s a reflection on you all.”

Following Harvier’s remarks, August Antone, chairman of the Salt River Gaming Enterprises Board of Directors, spoke for a few minutes.

“Whether your contribution was visible on the floor, behind the scenes or in a quiet moment of mentorship, it all adds up,” Antone said. “Every interaction, every extra hour, every thoughtful decision has helped shape the experience our guests enjoy and a culture we are proud of.” 

Antone also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Pathways to Success graduates. “This program is more than training; it’s an investment in our future leaders. 

“Let today remind you that your efforts matter,” Antone concluded. 

Later, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Patricia Tate announced the graduates of the Pathways to Success program. 

“Pathways to Success is a launchpad to our future careers. I’m incredibly proud this year of the graduates and all they have achieved [while] balancing demanding careers, families, responsibilities and personal commitments, often at a great sacrifice. Their perseverance speaks volumes about the character and determination of each graduate.”

Last year, nearly 20 Community members graduated from the program. 

The Awards

Representing the Safety Committee, general managers Christian Geier and Trenni Martinez announced two departments as the winners of the Department Safety Awards: Food and Beverage and the Security team. “These teams took ownership, helped one another and proved safety is a team sport,” said Geier. 

Martinez then announced the two winners of the Safety Committee Excellence Awards, Retail Supervisor Cynthia Flores and Maintenance Supervisor Noel Mills. Each came up to the podium and received a commemorative plaque. 

Flores was last year’s winner of the enrolled Community Member of the Year Award.

The Lifesaver Award was presented to line cooks Idalia Gaspar, Jessica Wahpeta and Jesus Garcia. “On May 29, a team member began choking at Casino Arizona. Wahpeta immediately did the Heimlich maneuver while Garcia stabilized the coworker and Gaspar provided support while additional help was on the way. Their teamwork may have saved a life,” Martinez said.

Senior Vice-President of Marketing Toni Ineson and Human Resources Vice-President Diane McMahan announced the winner of the Team Member Recognition: Food & Beverage Analytics Specialist Katie Parra. 

Lead Kino Shift Supervisor Margarita Robles was named Supervisor of the Year. 

Chief Hospitality Officer Braxton Meyers and Chief Operating Officer Don Ayers handed out the award for Team Member of the Year, which went to Multimedia Marketing Designer Phillip Grosvenor II. 

Lastly, the award for the Enrolled Community Member of the Year was given to Human Resources HRIS Specialist Julia Paul. “Over the past eight and a half years with [Salt River] Gaming Enterprises, Julia has become an indispensable contributor [with] human resources and a partner with our operational leaders,” said Meyers. 

Paul received a roaring round of applause from the attendees.

Paul’s fellow nominees for the Enrolled Community Member of the Year Award were Tamara Hayes, Lead Rewards Club Representative for Player Development; Adria Hill, Environmental Services EVS Attendant; and Qua-Tavaish “Blossom” Loring, Concession Attendant in Food & Beverage. 

As the luncheon neared its end, attendees were encouraged to visit the caricature drawing station, participate in the ping-pong ball challenge carnival game and take a whirl on the 360-degree photo booth, all of which were located out on the grand ballroom lobby grounds.

“Thank very much for everything that that you do,” said Dinius as he made some concluding remarks. “Remember, everything we do on a daily basis contributes to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I couldn’t be more proud of you all.”

O’odham Action News Interview: Enrolled Community Member of the Year: Julia Paul, Human Resources

1. What was the first thought that came to your mind when you heard you won the award? 

“Honestly, my first thought was, ‘Wow, really?’ I was surprised. We have so many exceptional team members who work incredibly hard, so I know it couldn’t have been an easy decision. I’m truly honored.”

2. What’s your favorite aspect working for Casino Arizona? 

“One of my favorite aspects of working for Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises is the opportunity to collaborate with different departments. I really enjoy taking on complex challenges because they push me to learn new processes and better understand how everything connects to support the company’s growth.”

3. How do you stay motivated at work?

“I stay motivated by organizing my work by priority and focusing on one task at a time. I make sure to take short breaks in between to reset and stay energized. I also set aside time to dive into new projects or ideas, which keeps my work engaging and helps me continue learning.”

4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Who gave you the advice?

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my mother. She always told me to treat everyone the same—with respect—and to always conduct myself professionally. Even when respect isn’t given, she reminded me to remain professional.”

5. What advice would you give to someone starting their career with the SRPMIC Community Gaming Enterprises?

“My advice to someone starting their career with Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises is to take full advantage of the diverse environments and learning opportunities available. Embrace each experience and network within the enterprise to better understand the various roles and departments. Ask for feedback, listen more than you speak to gain a deeper understanding of how the business operates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

6. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Community and our readers?

“My employment with Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises has been rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to continue growing in my Human Resources career while also contributing to and supporting our Community. It’s meaningful to be part of an organization that makes a positive impact.”