Nearly six months after becoming CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Laura Penney was faced with undoubtedly the greatest challenge of her career: leading the property through a global pandemic.

As states enacted stay-home orders to slow the spread of COVID-19 in March, some 989 casinos closed nationwide, including the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, which employs 850 to 1,100 people – depending on the season – in its hotel, casino, spa, restaurants and golf course.

Under Penney’s leadership, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel was the first in the country to reopen in May following pandemic-related closures, setting the standard for strict health and safety measures used by casinos nationwide.

Penney was among three gaming leaders who participated in a virtual opening keynote event at the American Gaming Association’s Global Gaming Expo, or G2E, in October. The three panelists shared how they successfully and responsibly reopened their properties during the pandemic.