Creative Compliance
Tonya Henderson • Vice President , Compliance , Resorts World Las Vegas By Bill Sokolic
Acompliance officer holds a special place in the operation of an organization . The person in this position sees to it that the policies and regulations of both the business and government at all levels are followed . That covers a lot of ground , and at Resorts World Las Vegas , that job belongs to Tonya Henderson , vice president of compliance . Without an experienced compliance officer , the company could face hefty fines , lawsuits , and damage to its reputation .
Henderson has been head of compliance with Resorts World for two years . But she ’ s been involved with compliance for more than 10 years .
“ To excel in the compliance field , you need to be a zealous advocate , maintain flexibility and have the courage to do the right thing even when it ’ s difficult ,” she says . “ You need to understand the operational , financial and industry challenges on a day-to-day basis .” Henderson praises her mentors for challenging her to succeed . “ My mentors pushed me to do more and think outside the box . They recognized that I was ready to take the next steps before I did . I was humbled by the faith placed in me , and that motivated me to work even harder ,” she says .
Former IGT compliance exec Michelle Chatigny taught Henderson that she has to be willing to make difficult decisions even when they are hard or unpopular , or when she receives pushback from other executives .
“ She taught me the importance of thinking and planning ahead , and that in
some circles , women will have a more difficult experience , and not to let that stop me ,” she says . “ Michelle exemplified excellence and poise in every situation .”
She “ walked the talk ” and educated Henderson on the value of a great pair of heels .
“( Former Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman ) A . G . Burnett taught me that no matter what side of gaming you are on , the ultimate goals and expectations are the same . Integrity , relationship building , doing the right thing because it is the right thing , safeguarding the customer , company and state . He taught me that a quick fix is not worth hurting your reputation because you only get one .”
Henderson ’ s parents instilled at an early age that if there are obstacles in your way , then find a way to get around them .
“ Just because something is hard doesn ’ t mean you stop ; it means you persevere ,” she says . “ My parents taught me that all people , no matter the color , gender or job , have something of value to offer . I have used those skills and my education to not only break the glass ceiling , but to lift others as I climb . It is not an easy task , but it is necessary and worthwhile .”
Henderson is quick to acknowledge positive contributions from each team member for meeting goals .
“ I empower the team to make mistakes ,” she explains . “ It is only by trying new things , being creative and sometimes failing , that compliance will keep up with the ever-changing gaming environment .”
When it comes to upper-echelon executive offices , too many gaming companies do not represent the community or the available talent . “ Throughout my career , I maintain my focus and commitment to successfully achieving the goal . I find that success at meeting the goals is the answer to addressing bias in the workplace .”