Lana Rivera, a member of the Muscogee Creek Tribe, began her gaming career at age 21 as a blackjack dealer during the opening of Harrah’s riverboat casino in Joliet, Illinois. She advanced quickly, becoming a high-limit dealer on her first day, and her decades of experience in casino operations have shaped her into a hands-on leader.
In 2023, Rivera was appointed President of Graton Resort & Casino, a tribe-owned property in Rohnert Park, California. She is known for her people-first approach, often working weekends on the casino floor to observe guest experiences and interact with team members. Her primary focus is overseeing the resort’s $1 billion expansion project, which she describes as a driver of future growth for the company and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Rivera holds an MBA from the University of Nevada-Reno and was featured in CDC Gaming’s 2025 “10 Women Rising in Gaming” list. She emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and a commitment to team development as core to her leadership style.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Graton Resort & Casino | President | – present |