Shakira Michaels

I am a nonprofit executive and casino hospitality leader with over two decades of experience in player development, guest relations, and organizational leadership, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert, a role I have held since January 2026, where I lead the organization's mission to provide youth development programs and services to children and families in the community.

Prior to this role, I spent over eleven years at Agua Caliente Casinos in progressively responsible roles, including Director of Player Development for two years, where I led strategic development of VIP programs across the property, managed a team of Executive Hosts and Player Development staff, grew high-limit player engagement and revenue through data-driven initiatives, managed a team of over sixty employees across three properties and the top twenty-two thousand coded players, planned monthly and quarterly VIP events, and wrote SOPs and ICs compliant with the gaming commission. I also served as Development Manager for three years, where I supervised Executive Hosts, coordinated premium player events, implemented host training programs, analyzed player data to personalize outreach strategies, and managed payroll, scheduling, revenue reports, budgets, hiring, and coaching. I served as Executive Host for one year, Casino Host for one year, Telemarketing Supervisor for two years, and Telemarketer for two years, where I cultivated relationships with players, delivered VIP-level customer service, and coordinated targeted phone campaigns for promotions and events.

Earlier in my career, I served as Casino Host at Valley View Casino for eight years, where I provided exceptional guest service to premium players, assisted in comp decisioning, trip planning, and floor coverage, and built lasting relationships with the core player base.

Across my career in casino hospitality and nonprofit leadership, my work has been driven by a commitment to building strong relationships, delivering exceptional service, and creating lasting impact in the communities I serve. Whether I am leading a nonprofit youth organization, developing VIP programs, or managing teams, I bring a strategic, people-centered approach and a dedication to excellence that has defined my career. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue making a difference through my leadership at the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert.