Press Release - Soaring Eagle Gaming CEO & CFO
6/9/2025 4:27:00 PM - Public Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 9, 2024

CONTACT:  Erik Rodriguez, Interim Public Relations Director

                       Call 989-775-4059

Soaring Eagle Gaming welcomes two new leaders, Chief Executive Officer Joseph Nayquonabe Jr. and Chief Financial Officer Dawn McGrady

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan - Soaring Eagle Gaming announced the addition of two new administrative team members to oversee operations at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel and the online platform, Eagle Casino & Sports. Joseph S. Nayquonabe, Jr. has been selected as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dawn McGrady has been chosen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Nayquonabe Jr. is a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and is a transformative leader with over a decade of experience driving strategic business growth and community development. With master's degrees in Tribal Administration and Business Administration, he is passionate about creating economic opportunities that empower communities and drive meaningful change.

As former CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, he successfully led a $600 million portfolio spanning gaming, hospitality, cannabis, entertainment, and government contracting businesses. Nayquonabe Jr. has a history of success with key achievements that include: transforming a casino operation with a $180 million modernization and leading organizational culture transformation toward collaborative, service-first models. He also brings deep expertise in strategic vision, economic development, and mission-driven leadership. Nayquonabe Jr. was named "Most Admired CEO" and recognized with multiple leadership awards and he has a proven track record of building sustainable businesses while prioritizing community impact.

Dawn McGrady is a proud Tribal Member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with 28 years in the gaming industry, having worked in various Tribal casinos across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and currently Michigan.

McGrady’s career has focused on the advancement of tribal sovereignty through financial independence and provides insight on why that is an important concern for Indian Country. It allows for independent decision making and ensures tribal nations are in control of leading their own future.

Building strong revenue generating tribal enterprises gives the tribes resources to further fund other tribal initiatives that serves their communities and provides for future generations. She also has proven success influencing industry peers and leadership in onboarding new technology and projects by garnering trust and having them see the importance in moving projects forward.

Please contact Interim Public Relations Director, Erik Rodriguez at (989) 775-4059 or erodriguez@sagchip.org for more information.

# # #