▶ Black Executives On The Rise ▲

June 2026

Shondra DeLoach Perea

IGT Senior Vice President of Global Service

Hometown:

Classified — military family, we moved too often to pick just one.

First job in the gaming industry:

My first role in gaming was with Sandia Pueblo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I served as Executive Director of the Sandia Tribal Gaming Commission. It was a remarkable entry point. I was responsible for regulatory compliance across all gaming activities, overseeing licensing, inspections, investigations, and surveillance for the highest-profit gaming casino in New Mexico at the time. That experience provided a uniquely comprehensive foundation, immersing me simultaneously in the regulatory, operational, and leadership dimensions of the industry. It also afforded me the opportunity to thrive within an environment enriched by Tribal culture—one rooted in belonging, growth, and the principles that shaped the foundation of my career in gaming.

What do you like about working in gaming?

Gaming is a dynamic, fast-moving industry that sits at the intersection of technology, entertainment, hospitality, and regulation and that complexity keeps me energized every day. What I love most is the people: the diverse teams I get to lead and the lasting relationships built with customers and partners across the globe. I am also motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems, whether that is modernizing service delivery models, implementing innovative technologies, or aligning cross-functional teams around a common objective. The industry demands adaptability, accountability, and continuous improvement. There is never a dull moment, and there is always room to innovate.

Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?

What surprised me most was the genuine sense of community I found within the industry. From the outside, gaming can seem intimidating or exclusive, but once I was part of it, I discovered people who were deeply collaborative, genuinely enthusiastic, and sincerely invested in one another’s growth, including my own. I was struck by the sheer breadth of career paths available from technology and operations to regulation, finance, and beyond. Success in this industry is not driven by one function it requires alignment across multiple disciplines. Gaming is not a one-dimensional industry; it rewards curiosity and versatility, and that was a wonderful discovery early in my career. That early realization shaped how I lead today with a strong emphasis on cross-functional alignment, disciplined execution, and ensuring that strategy is translated effectively into operational performance.

Were you familiar with gambling before landing a job in the industry? What were your thoughts about gaming before starting to work in the industry?

Like many people, I had a limited and surface-level understanding of gaming before I entered the field. I associated it primarily with casinos and games of chance, without appreciating the extraordinary infrastructure, technology, regulatory frameworks, and human capital that power the industry behind the scenes. My perspective shifted almost immediately once I stepped into a regulatory role and saw firsthand how sophisticated and multifaceted the business truly is. It became clear that gaming is not a single-dimensional industry — it is a global, technology-driven ecosystem. It opened my eyes to an entire world, and that realization shaped my decision to build a long-term career in the industry.

Has your impression of the industry changed at all?

Absolutely, and profoundly so. Over the course of my career, I have watched gaming evolve from a largely hardware-driven, regionally focused business into a globally integrated technology powerhouse. My impression has grown from one of curiosity to one of deep admiration and pride. I am encouraged by the industry’s increasing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Organizations like African Americans in Gaming and Global Gaming Women are doing meaningful work to ensure that the industry reflects the communities it serves. There is still progress to be made, but the momentum is real and I am honored to be part of it. The pace of change has accelerated significantly — driven by advancements in digital platforms, data analytics, and customer expectations. What has remained constant is the need for strong operational leadership and the ability to execute at scale.

What major trends do you see emerging in the gaming industry over the next 5 to10 years?

Several transformative trends are converging that will fundamentally reshape gaming over the next decade. First, the convergence of advanced technology and data will remain at the forefront of industry transformation. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are set to become deeply integrated into business operations, moving from isolated projects to essential enterprise capabilities. This includes predictive maintenance, intelligent diagnostics, automated customer support, fraud detection, and real-time operational decision-making. Organizations that effectively leverage AI will have a clear competitive advantage.

Equally critical will be the evolution of the workforce. As gaming becomes more technology-intensive, the technical and professional competency expectations for frontline and leadership roles will rise substantially. Organizations that invest in structured development, career pathing, and inclusive recruitment will have a decisive benefit.

At the same time, cloud migration, digital enablement, and remote capabilities will accelerate. With the proliferation of IoT devices and connected service ecosystems, remote monitoring, and even proactive issue resolution will become the norm. We are also witnessing rapid expansion into digital channels and new markets. Digital platforms, mobile gaming, and emerging forms of entertainment, such as esports are expanding the industry’s reach and reshaping customer engagement. As regulatory frameworks adapt to these changes, organizations will need to strike a careful balance between innovation, compliance, and responsible gaming practices.

Looking ahead, gaming will continue to expand into new markets and formats, driven by shifting consumer expectations—particularly among younger demographics—and regulatory change. Leaders will need to balance innovation with governance, ensuring that growth is supported by strong operational controls and a disciplined approach to risk management, data privacy, security, and ethical governance. As companies collect and utilize more customer data, robust controls and transparent practices will be critical for building trust and ensuring long-term success.

Ultimately, the next decade will challenge gaming industry leaders to integrate advanced technologies, evolve workforce capabilities, expand responsibly into new markets, and uphold the highest standards of governance and sustainability. Those who can navigate these shifts with agility and discipline will be best positioned to drive innovation and lead the industry forward.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the gaming industry?

Be relentlessly curious and never stop learning. The gaming industry rewards people who are willing to stretch beyond their comfort zones, take on cross-functional challenges, and develop expertise across multiple disciplines. Early in my career, I progressed through regulatory affairs, field operations, order management, and global service leadership roles—each experience deepening my perspective and expanding my impact. Seek mentors, and just as importantly, commit to being a mentor. The relationships I have built throughout my career are among my most valuable assets. Organizations like African Americans in Gaming and Global Gaming Women exist precisely to connect aspiring leaders with people who can open doors and share hard-won wisdom, take full advantage of them. Finally, lead with authenticity and advocate for inclusion everywhere you go. Diverse teams produce better outcomes, and our industry is stronger when every voice has a seat at the table. You do not have to wait to champion that vision. Start now, wherever you are.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself, your journey, or the industry?

My journey has not always been linear or easy. I have navigated environments where I was often the only one in the room, requiring intentional effort to build credibility, earn trust, and ultimately create space for others coming behind me. What defines me as a leader is my ability to connect strategy to execution. I focus on building high-performing teams, improving operational performance, and creating structure in environments that require transformation. I am comfortable navigating complexity, making decisions with incomplete information, and driving alignment across diverse stakeholders. That experience has shaped who I am as a leader and why I invest so deeply in mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy. I am deeply honored to be recognized by African Americans in Gaming and to be featured alongside so many extraordinary leaders. It is a reminder of why representation matters — because when we see ourselves reflected in positions of influence, it signals to the next generation that they belong here too. My deepest hope is that my story encourages someone standing at the threshold of this industry—unsure whether there is a place for them—to step forward with confidence. There is a place for you here.