Gila River Resorts & Casinos CIO honored with 2026 Matriarchs of Indian Gaming Award
Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News
SAN DIEGO, Calif. —
Robin Villareal, Chief Information Officer at Gila River Resorts & Casinos (GRRC), has been recognized as one of the Indian Gaming Association’s 2026 Matriarchs of Indian Gaming.
The Matriarchs of Indian Gaming award, established by the late Ernie Stevens, Jr., former chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, honors Native women whose leadership and dedication have strengthened tribal government gaming and supported tribal sovereignty.
“It’s a beautiful honor. I’m extremely humbled,” said Villareal. “There aren’t many of us [Native female CIOs], and I would like that narrative to change.”
The 2026 Matriarchs of Indian Gaming were recognized at a special ceremony during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in San Diego, Calif., on April 2.
“It is with great pride and admiration that we recognize Robin Villareal, Chief Information Officer, on receiving the prestigious Matriarch of Indian Gaming award from the Indian Gaming Association,” said GRRC’s Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Manuel.
“Robin’s journey with Gila River Resorts & Casinos is a remarkable testament to dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership. Beginning her career in 1995 in food & beverage, she has steadily risen through the organization, exemplifying a commitment to excellence at every stage. Her progression to CIO reflects not only her deep expertise but also her ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in an ever-evolving industry.”
Manuel added, “Throughout her tenure, Robin has played a pivotal role in advancing technology initiatives that strengthen operations, enhance guest experiences, and position the Enterprise for long-term success. More importantly, she served as a role model and mentor, inspiring others through her integrity and unwavering commitment to the Gila River Indian Community and Gaming Enterprise.”
Villareal, a Gila River Indian Community member from District 6, is the first woman to hold the chief information officer role at GRRC, where she began her career as a summer job in the food and beverage department. She then transitioned into a secretary position, where she learned of an opening in the information technology department and was encouraged to apply, working as a help desk technician.
At first, she felt like she didn’t qualify, but as it turns out, she knew more about computers than she thought she did. She transitioned into the new position and learned more about how to build and fix computers, and through hard work and perseverance, she moved up in her career. Throughout the years, she’s remained dedicated not just to her job but especially to her community.
“For me, this is our future for our community. This is going to last us for generations to come; I want to be part of that,” she said.
Villareal credits the many people who have supported her and helped her succeed, especially the women in her life who led by example.
“I was very fortunate to have grandmothers who showed me what it’s like to be a leader,” she said. “They’re really the foundation.”
While this award marks a significant professional milestone, Villareal says the most meaningful impact of her career has been personal. As her expertise grew, so did the demand for insight.
She was featured on panels with G2E, a global gaming industry trade show presented by the American Gaming Association, and WEWIN (Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations), a national conference committed to strengthening tribal cultures and uplifting sovereign leadership.
“I never thought in a million years I would ever speak at a global gaming conference, and there I was, speaking on cybersecurity,” she said. Through these experiences, she discovered a new sense of confidence.
“I want to represent the casino and our community; that’s always been my driver, representing our community in the best light,” said Villareal. “I’m just doing my job, and I would like to do it in the best way to support us, to elevate us, to make us innovative. That’s why I like doing what I do.”
Now, she regularly participates in panels and outreach events aimed at encouraging others to explore careers in IT, sharing her story and the accomplishments of GRRC and the Community.
“This well-deserved recognition celebrates not just her professional achievements, but also her impact as a leader and trailblazer in Indian Gaming. We are honored to have Robin as part of our organization and congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment,” Manuel said.
Additional awardees for the 2026 Matriarchs of Indian Gaming include A. Gay Kingman, executive director for the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association; Elizabeth Lohah Homer, founder of Homer Law; Janie Dillard, chief executive of Choctaw Global; Pam Shaw, United Women of Tribal Gaming; Osage Nation Congressional Speaker; and Erica Pinto, chairwoman of Jamual Indian Village.
“As we celebrate the success of Indian gaming, it is especially important that we recognize the women who helped build this industry and continue to lead it today,” said current IGA Chairman David Z. Bean. “Their stories are not only a reflection of where we have been but also a roadmap for where we are going.”