October 27, 2011 – Spokane, Wash. – Northern Quest Resort & Casino has appointed Eric Pearson as Vice President of Casino Operations. Pearson brings over 12 years of experience in the gaming industry to Northern Quest, which includes working for the Gila River Casinos in Arizona and the MGM properties in Las Vegas.

“We are proud to welcome Eric as a key part of our leadership team at Northern Quest,” said Phil Haugen, General Manager of Northern Quest Resort & Casino. “His extensive knowledge and involvement in casino operations at large properties such as the Circus Circus and Luxor will be instrumental in further developing Northern Quest as a destination gaming resort in our region.”

Born and raised just outside of Laughlin, Nevada, Pearson began working at the River Palms Casino in Laughlin at the age of 16 in food and beverage, and continued his career as a valet attendant at the Grand Victoria River Boat Casino in Elgin, Illinois after graduating high school.

Pearson returned to the southwest region to attend college at Arizona State University and started working for the tribally-owned Gila River Casinos based out of Chandler, Arizona as a slot attendant. He moved up quickly, becoming the Corporate Gaming Technology Manager who managed slot operations, performance and compliance at all three Gila River Casinos.

In 2006, Pearson was hired by MGM-Mirage in Las Vegas as the Slot Operations Manager at the Luxor, where he managed updates on the casino floor and assisted in the rebranding of the property. Within a year, he became the Director of Slot Operations and acquired the responsibility of the Excalibur Casino, concurrently with the Luxor. In 2009, Pearson went on to become the Executive Director of Slots at MGM’s Circus Circus.

In Pearson’s new role as Vice President of Casino Operations at Northern Quest, he will be responsible for leading over 350 team members in casino operations and player development.

About Northern Quest Resort & Casino
As the only tribally-owned AAA Four Diamond resort in the Inland Northwest and one of 27 lodgings in the entire state to receive this recognition, Northern Quest Resort & Casino welcomes visitors with a contemporary urban setting and 250 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Be pampered in the upscale spa and salon. Satisfy your hunger at one of 14 restaurants and lounges offering everything from burgers to fine dining, including the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Masselow’s, one of only six restaurants to receive the prestigious award in Washington. Cheer on your favorite team on the largest HDTV screen (measuring 30 X 10 feet) east of the Cascades. Or try your luck with true Las Vegas-style gaming, enjoy world-class entertainment. You can even schedule your next event, professional or personal, with our event and banquet services. Discover more about Northern Quest Resort & Casino at www.northernquest.com

About the Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in the U.S., the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is now one of the top ten private employers in the Spokane region. The historically humble and hospitable tribe operates Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the region’s premier destination resort and four (4) franchise operations. Tribal health and social service programs, supported by the resort, have increased the quality and life expectancy for tribal members and surrounding communities near the tribe’s reservation along the Pend Oreille River. The tribe maintains a number of business enterprises and programs, provides a total of 2,000 jobs, and has donated over $5 million to regional non-profit organizations. Find out more about the Kalispel Tribe’s rich cultural history and their progression at www.kalispeltribe.com.