Speakers

Ché Downs is the General Manager of Thunderbird Entertainment Inc., a tribally owned gaming and hospitality enterprise operated by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. An Absentee Shawnee Tribal Member, Ché brings over two decades of experience in the gaming industry, beginning in 2002, with a career rooted in service to tribal enterprises and long-term organizational growth.

Ché’s career reflects both depth and continuity, having worked with only two tribal organizations throughout his career, including nearly a decade with Thunderbird. His leadership experience spans operations, finance, and property development, providing a comprehensive understanding of casino and hospitality management.

Early in his career, Ché served as Director of Finance before transitioning into his first General Manager role from 2011 to 2017, where he also held Director of Finance responsibilities for a period of time. He later returned to a dedicated Director of Finance role for several years, leading financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational controls within highly regulated gaming environments.

In December 2024, Ché returned to executive operations as General Manager of Thunderbird Entertainment Inc., where he currently leads organizational strategy, operational performance, and long-term growth initiatives.

Throughout his career, Ché has been directly involved in the development and opening of two casino properties and has also served as Director of Facilities, giving him hands-on experience in capital projects, infrastructure, and property operations.

Known for bridging financial discipline with operational execution, Ché focuses on driving performance while maintaining strong compliance standards. He is actively involved in advancing technology within casino operations, including player tracking systems, access control modernization, and data-driven decision-making. In his current leadership cycle, he is also focused on evaluating opportunities in mobile gaming and sports betting as part of broader strategic growth initiatives.

A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Ché works closely with executive teams, tribal leadership, and regulatory agencies to support sustainable growth, enhance guest experience, and align operations with tribal values and long-term strategic goals.