aging , and quickly .
“ It ’ s more digital , convenient , connected , comfortable , creative and vibrant than when I first entered the industry ,” Lazcano says . “ I ’ ve seen casino operators , suppliers , developers and regulators work cooperatively to responsibly expand the industry ’ s value to consumers , as well as our communities . Together , I ’ m optimistic we ’ ll continue to transform gaming spaces to engage and entertain players in new ways .”
Keeping pace with an evolving industry is never easy , especially in marketing and communications , where “ there is an endless list of things we could be doing : more content , more partnerships , more ads , more emails , more events .” However , the key , as Lazcano asserts , is to get a clear sense of your company ’ s “ goals , objectives , audience , timeframe and resources ” so that you can create “ an informed structure of prioritization ” and work efficiency .
With respect to burnout and difficult times during one ’ s career , she finds that it ’ s best to fill all the available space , and make the most out of a given circumstance . Small changes like hybrid work schedules during busy periods and extra degree programs and certifications during down times , she argues , help to keep the wheels turning even if things feel stagnant . This also makes you a more valuable resource and allows you to make decisions “ from a position of power , and not as an obligation .”
In between the endless marketing mania , Lazcano ’ s artistry can be heard through a different medium , as a clarinet and saxophone player for the Desert Winds ensemble . — Jess Marquez
‘ Forever Student ’
Krystal Jones
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer , Live ! Casino Philadelphia
A s a girl , Krystal Jones always carried a pocket calculator , so she could tally up purchases at the supermarket or toy store . For her , it was for “ the enjoyment of all things numbers and money .”
Small wonder , then , that Jones went on to pursue in a career in finance . In November 2020 , she was appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer at Live ! Casino Philadelphia , a $ 700 million Cordish Companies property in the heart of the South Philly sports district , home of the Sixers , Flyers , Eagles and Phillies .
The Los Angeles native attended the University of Mississippi on an athletic scholarship , then headed to Nevada , where she started as an accounts payable analyst with Caesars Entertainment .
“ I knew Excel at the time , and I think that ’ s why I got hired ,” she says with a laugh . “ What sold me on a gaming career was being exposed to so many different things : your casino , your restaurants , your bars , your hotels , learning so much in just one role . It ’ s always something new , always some new fire ( to extinguish ). That ’ s what I enjoyed .”
Jones credits her rise to “ a desire to learn , an inquisitive nature and always asking why . You have to be a forever student . There are always technology changes and ways to do things better .”
After five years with Caesars , ending as director of finance for Harrah ’ s Laughlin , Jones moved on to MGM National Harbor , which was preparing to open outside Washington , D . C .
“ The one thing I hadn ’ t done was open a casino , and my forever-student mentality was piqued . It was a chance for me to learn how to build from the ground up , learn a new jurisdiction , learn how to write policies and procedures from scratch — it deepened my understanding of casino operations from the bottom up .”
The mother of two young girls acknowledges the challenges facing women in leadership . “ There aren ’ t a lot of us , unfortunately , still , but it ’ s definitely getting better . When you have the support of other women who understand your journey and the difficulties of balancing motherhood and work demands , you can get through the difficult times . It ’ s great having someone to listen to you vent . I have people that I go to , and I try to be that for other women leaders .”
She thanks Cleo Whipple , Caesars ’ vice president of shared services , for recognizing her talent and championing her growth . “ She put me in front of a lot of people when projects needed to be done . Her mentorship early on really helped me get where I am today . It also shaped how I interact with other younger leaders and women who aspire to leadership .”
Jones still enjoys the 1,001 challenges that arise at a multifaceted entertainment destination . “ You have to wear a lot of hats and swap them out throughout the day ,” she says , adding that Live !, which debuted in February 2021 , is “ doing well in an established market . “ More and more people are becoming aware of who we are , what we offer and all the great things under our roof . We ’ re making a name as a premier destination to game and have fun . There ’ s a lot of energy , especially when there ’ s a concert or a game .
“ Every day is different ,” she says . “ There hasn ’ t been a dull moment since I got into gaming in 2011 . I was lucky I was there when an accounts-payable position needed to be filled .” — Marjorie Preston
SEPTEMBER 2023 www . ggbmagazine . com 29