Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Names New President and ilani Executives to Support Operations and Expansion
TL;DR — Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority appointed Kara Fox-LaRose as President, Alan Trantina as ilani General Manager, and John Lipkowitz as SVP of Hospitality. The changes draw on more than 10, 25, and 38 years of experience respectively to support operations, strategy, and expansion at the Pacific Northwest casino. Moves follow ilani’s 2017 opening and multiple facility additions through 2023.
SCCG Take — The appointments blend internal continuity with external operational expertise from Marnell Gaming Management, strengthening ilani’s regulatory and development capacity for measured tribal growth.
The Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority named Kara Fox-LaRose President of the Gaming Authority, Alan Trantina General Manager of ilani, and John Lipkowitz SVP of Hospitality for ilani. These appointments form a new leadership structure intended to support ilani’s operations and future development.
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman William Iyall stated that ilani’s continued success is critical to the long-term strength of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. “These leadership changes bring together experienced, dedicated individuals who understand the strength of ilani and share our commitment to building on what we have accomplished,” Iyall said.
Fox-LaRose, who has served as President and General Manager of ilani for more than 10 years, will oversee strategic initiatives, future development and expansion, brand, media and community relations, government relations, regulatory and compact-related initiatives, and engagement with other tribal gaming organizations. She will report to the CTGA Board and work with ilani’s General Manager and Marnell Gaming Management on strategic objectives.
Leaders’ Track Records at ilani and Beyond
Fox-LaRose helped lead the development, design and opening of ilani in April 2017. During her tenure, the property received approval for higher betting limits and sports betting. It completed several expansion projects, including a 289-room hotel tower that opened in April 2023, plus a new high-limit table games room, casino bars, and the Sovereign Steak House and Longhouse restaurants.
Trantina will oversee ilani’s daily operations, strategic planning, budgets, marketing, IT, workforce development and other operational functions. He most recently served as SVP of Operations for Marnell Gaming Management and has more than 25 years of leadership experience in commercial and tribal gaming. Trantina has worked on site at ilani with Fox-LaRose and the senior management team for more than 18 months.
Lipkowitz will serve in the newly created role of SVP of Hospitality. He will oversee food and beverage, hotel and hospitality operations, and facilities. He previously served as EVP of Hospitality for Marnell Gaming Management and has more than 38 years of casino and hospitality industry experience. His previous positions include President of Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, EVP at M Resort and President of Siren Gaming.
Path Forward for ilani and the Cowlitz Tribe
Karissa Lowe, Chairman of the CTGA, stated that Fox-LaRose’s positive impact and influence on the organization will be forever embedded at ilani. The appointments, as reported by Indian Gaming, align with the tribe’s focus on growth that reflects its values and creates lasting benefits for future generations of Cowlitz tribal members. This structure positions the property to sustain momentum built since its 2017 opening while integrating operational depth from established gaming management expertise.
Reporting: Indian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
ilani's splitting leadership shows a tribe maturing operations while keeping tribal vision and regulatory control in-house.
We're watching tribes professionalize without losing sovereignty. Fox-LaRose staying as President to handle government, regulatory, and compact work while Marnell veterans run the floor — that's the model for tribes who want to grow smart without giving up control. ilani's been our Pacific Northwest anchor since 2017.
- Fox-LaRose moves to President role focused on regulatory, tribal relations, expansion strategy after 10+ years
- Trantina (25 years gaming) takes GM seat, Lipkowitz (38 years) leads hospitality — both from Marnell Gaming
- Leadership split lets tribe retain sovereignty on compliance and development while scaling daily operations
SCCG angle: We've worked the tribal space for three decades and know the jurisdictional nuances. When tribes are structuring leadership to balance sovereignty with operational scale — like ilani's doing here — SCCG connects the right management partners, regulatory advisors, and vendors who understand tribal compacts and respect nation-to-nation relationships.
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