Four Winds Casinos CEO Mary Smith Details Internal Career Path and Portfolio Expansion Strategy

Mary Smith serves as President and CEO of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos, the first female executive in the role. A citizen of the Pokagon Band with close to 20 years in gaming and hospitality, Smith joined the organization in 2007. She advanced through roles including Financial Analyst, Assistant Property Shift Manager, Property Shift Manager, Director of Hotel Operations, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations and Development, Executive Vice President of Casino Operations, and COO.

According to an executive Q&A published by Indian Gaming, this progression provided technical skills, operational knowledge, and best practices that now inform her leadership. Smith emphasized the importance of caring for employees as the primary asset driving continued success.

Portfolio Growth and Property Roles

Four Winds Casinos opened its first property, Four Winds New Buffalo, in 2007, followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013, and Four Winds South Bend in 2018. The flagship locations in New Buffalo, Michigan—60 miles east of Chicago—and South Bend, Indiana, deliver premium resort-style gaming, dining, entertainment, and event amenities. The smaller satellite properties in Hartford and Dowagiac target local customers while upholding the upscale Four Winds standard.

Subsequent expansions enhanced the offerings. New Buffalo added hotel and dining options in 2012 and a swimming pool in 2016. The 2022 South Bend expansion introduced a 23-story hotel tower with 317 rooms including 83 suites, plus a spa, convention area with ballroom and meeting space, a cafe, and an outdoor swimming pool. Four Winds Hartford received an immersive slot room earlier this year.

Competitive Priorities, Technology, and Tribal Leadership

Smith identified intense competition from new casino launches as a central challenge for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Priorities include maintaining market leadership through superior guest experiences and implementing technology upgrades. Self-service kiosks have already shortened wait times at the cage, cashier, and W♣ Players Club. The organization is evaluating vertical integration to cut operating costs and improve efficiencies.

Changing guest expectations prompted the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at South Bend, which provides 16 meeting rooms, a ballroom with seating for 600, two pre-function bar areas, a business center, and outdoor space. It hosts conferences, banquets, concerts, and live performances with no comparable venue in the region.

As a Pokagon Band citizen, Smith keeps tribal government goals for the next seven generations top of mind. Four Winds supports workforce development through the A.C.E.S. employee recognition program, which offers awards, luncheons, cash, prizes, and perks, and the Tribal Development Program for training and professional advancement. Smith advised women pursuing leadership in gaming and hospitality to acquire broad operational experience, network with industry professionals, and select a mentor.

Reporting: Indian Gaming

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