Virginia McDowell
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Virginia McDowell has always performed at the top of her game. Among the top ten publicly-traded gaming corporations, she is the only female president and chief operating officer. Virginia’s achievements include combining nearly thirty years of casino experience with strong business skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate at every level.
Over the past ten years, Virginia has analyzed corporate strategy, researched customer trends and studied competitive markets resulting in a unique perspective among gaming operators. Since July 2007, Virginia has served as president and chief operating officer for Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Her proven leadership experience in both regional and destination markets are coupled with success in the areas of operations, information technology, business development, and marketing, including sales, corporate communications and branding. She spent sixteen years working in the Atlantic City market before joining Argosy Gaming Company in Alton, Ill. as a member of the turnaround management team. From 2005 through 2007, Virginia served as executive vice president and chief information officer for Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.
Virginia’s leadership extends outside the office as well, serving as the founding board chair and president of Gilda’s Club St. Louis. Virginia previously filled the role of president for the AMC Cancer Research Center and was a recipient of the agency’s award for her contributions to the cancer community. She was also a founding member of Winning Women, a partnership with the St. Louis County Economic Council.
Community service has long been part of Virginia’s life. While in New Jersey, she served on the board and as a member of the executive committee of Atlantic Mental Health; the Mayor’s Task Force on Atlantic City Improvements; ARC of Atlantic County; Airshow 90; Harborfest; New Jersey Fresh Seafood Festival; Kentucky Avenue Renaissance Festival; and the ShopRite LPGA Classic. She also performed duties as chairperson of the Atlantic City Mayoral Inaugural Festivities Committee and the Atlantic City Entertainment Committee.
Within the gaming industry, Virginia sits on the board of directors for the American Gaming Association and she previously served as a member of the Conference Advisory Board for the Global Gaming Expo, as well as a speaker and session moderator.
Her hard work has been recognized with several awards, most recently being named as one of Global Gaming Business’ “25 People to Watch.” She has also been recognized as one of Atlantic City’s 10 Power Brokers by Casino Connection magazine in 2006 and
St. Louis Business Journal’s “Most Influential Business Women” in 2004.
A 1980 graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Virginia also serves as a member of the advisory board of the President’s Advisory Board of Temple University.