Gaming and Leisure Properties Wednesday announced the appointment of Debra Martin Chase to its board of directors as an independent director. Chase’s appointment, effective immediately, fills the vacancy created by the passing of JoAnne A. Epps.
Chase’s appointment brings the total number of directors to eight, seven of whom are considered independent according to the listing standards of the Nasdaq. She also has been appointed as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the GLPI’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Chase will hold her directorship until the company’s next annual shareholders meeting, or until her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until her earlier death, disqualification, resignation, or removal.
“I am delighted to welcome Debra to our board as we believe her extensive entertainment industry experience, impressive legal background and broad board experience across public companies and the arts will serve GLPI well as we continue to drive growth in shareholder value,” said GLPI Chairman and CEO Peter Carlino in a statement. “She brings a wealth of knowledge to GLPI, which we believe is a perfect complement to the existing strengths of the board. I am confident that she will help expand the diverse set of viewpoints that ultimately shape our mission.”
Chase, the founder and CEO of Martin Chase Productions, an entertainment production company, has more than 30 years of experience in motion picture and television production, as well as a corporate legal background. She has won two Tony Awards, a Peabody Award, and has been nominated for three Emmy Awards as a television, motion picture, and Broadway producer. Her production credits include the film Sparkle, starring Whitney Houston, and The Equalizer television series starring Queen Latifah.
Chase is the first Black American female producer to have a deal with a major motion picture studio. Her films have grossed over $500 million at the box office.
Chase currently serves on the board of B&G Foods, as chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, and the board of Bridge Investment Group Holdings on the Audit Committee. She also serves on the board of the Second Stage Theater in Manhattan, where she chairs the Artistic Committee.
Chase is a member of the Motion Picture Academy, where she serves on the Producers Executive Committee; the Television Academy; the Broadway League, where she is a member of the Tony Management Committee; and the board of the Producers Guild Foundation.
Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Ms. Chase practiced law at Houston’s Mayor, Day, and Caldwell in Houston. She also has served as in-house counsel for Avon Products.