Kimberly Pearson is the new CEO of Osage Casinos, replacing Byron Bighorse who recently resigned after eight years at the helm.

Pearson, a member of the Osage Nation, is the first woman to lead the seven-property gaming and entertainment organization, which serves as the primary funding source for critical Osage Nation programs. The Tulsa World recently conducted a question-and-answer session with her to see how the new job is going.

Q: You started your career with Osage Casinos in 2008. How has the organization changed over that span?

A: The biggest change is the economic impact and growth of our operation.