Three American Gaming Association leaders have been promoted to vice president-level positions that recognized their efforts in helping the nation’s gaming industry navigate challenges during the global pandemic.
AGA CEO Bill Miller said the promotions also reward their ongoing efforts in the current recovery.
Miller said the three – Cait DeBaun, Jessica Feil, and Meredith Pallante – provided valuable support with the Washington D.C.-based trade organization’s priorities, including responsibility, advocacy, and gaming regulation.
AGA VP Cait DeBaun
All three joined the AGA in 2019 and senior directors.
“Last year tested all of us all,” Miller said. “I was particularly gratified that the team we built responded in a way that the industry needed. Each of these incredibly talented women will lead core organizational functions at a critical time for our industry.”
DeBaun has been promoted to Vice President, Strategic Communications and Responsibility. Feil has been promoted to Vice President, Government Relations and Gaming Policy Counsel. Pallante has been promoted to Vice President, Global Events.
Miller said the “fingerprints of all three” are found on some of the key AGA efforts that began before the COVID-19 pandemic halted operations at nearly 1,000 commercial and tribal casinos in 43 states for parts of last year.
The efforts continued as part of the industry’s overall recovery, which has continued over the first three months of 2021.
AGA VP Jessica Feil
Miller cited the modernization and expanded use of digital and cashless payments, responsible gaming initiatives, securing the gaming industry’s inclusion in the federal financial recovery efforts, and the planning and execution of the first digital Global Gaming Expo, as well as planning for October’s G2E in Las Vegas.
“They were instrumental in continuing the strong foundational relationships that the AGA has established.
DeBaun joined the AGA to focus on advancing the industry’s commitment to responsibility. She has been instrumental in activating the Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, creating the Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. public service campaign, and leading both the Responsible Gambling Collaborative and the AGA’s Responsibility Committee.
“This is a critical time for our industry as we navigate a full recovery, deepen our commitment to responsible gaming, and support gaming communities across the country,” DeBaun said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to grow with the AGA to pursue these efforts and so many more moving forward.”
AGA VP Meredith Pallante
Feil is an attorney with a history in gaming policy. She manages state policy and regulatory engagement for the AGA, contributing to the government relations efforts including the advancement of legal sports wagering. Feil leads the association working groups on payments modernization, state affairs, and NextGen gaming policy.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry,” Feil said. “We continue to see unprecedented growth in legal sports betting and payments modernization. I look forward to playing a larger role in gaming’s growth through innovation and new initiatives.”
Pallante joined the AGA to manage G2E, the industry’s largest tradeshow and conference, as well as G2E Asia. Both shows were canceled last year. It remains unclear if G2E Asia will return for 2021. She oversees all global industry events for the association, leveraging her experience as an organizer of the Las Vegas-based tradeshow CES.
“Coming off a year where the events landscape was simultaneously shut down and reimagined, I am full of optimism that I can lead the G2E and AGA events portfolio into the dynamic new world of events post-pandemic,” Pallante said.
She credited Miller and her AGA colleague with being supportive as events went virtual, plus she welcomed a new baby into her family.
“There’s so much on the horizon for our industry and the AGA,” Pallante said. “I look forward to leading through our recovery alongside Jess, Cait, and our senior leadership team.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
