Casino Hosts 393yo Personalized Service at Emerald Queen Casino

With more than 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, Russ has truly found his calling as a host. He began his career straight out of high school and has worked in various roles across different departments, building a wealth of knowledge and expertise along the way. A proud Pacific Northwest native, Russ chose to settle down here to raise his family. Now that his boys are older, he enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with his loved ones. If you happen to see him on the gaming floor, don’t hesitate to say hello!

Cathy, a native of Surf City, New Jersey, launched her casino career in Atlantic City after earning her degree in Boston. In 1995, she relocated to Washington state to serve as the Director of Marketing for a local tribe in the Indian Gaming sector and also spent several years honing her skills in Las Vegas.

With a diverse background spanning New Jersey, Nevada, and Washington, Cathy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role as Executive Casino Host. Her meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and natural curiosity make her a valuable asset in this position. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships with high-end guests, anticipating their needs, and ensuring a personalized, exceptional experience.

Outside of work, Cathy enjoys gardening, traveling, spending time with her dog Finn, and cherishing moments by the water with friends.

Natalie is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in customer service, business management, and the casino industry. Raised in Nevada and born in Washington, Natalie’s early exposure to the dynamic casino environment fueled her ion for hospitality and gaming. She honed her customer service and problem-solving skills working at a family-owned smoke shop, where she embraced a customer-first mentality. Later, at Seneca Promotions, a promotional marketing firm based in Buffalo, New York, Natalie played a key role in business growth and event coordination.

Driven by her deep interest in Native American culture and business, Natalie has traveled extensively across the U.S. to explore Native American-owned smoke shops and casinos. These experiences have provided her with a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these enterprises. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Tribal Governance and Business Management with a focus on casino management, preparing her to navigate the complexities of the gaming industry.

Natalie is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, fostering community development, and creating meaningful impact throughout her career. She is dedicated to driving success and enriching experiences in every professional endeavor.

Allan hails from the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada, though he was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and raised on a farm. After traveling extensively across North America, he found his home in the Pacific Northwest.

A dedicated member of the Emerald Queen Casino team since its opening on December 26, 1996, Allan has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of the casino. He started his journey as a Keno runner, then transitioned to roles as a cashier, lead, and shift manager. For 17 years, he served as Shift Manager in the Tribal Lottery Slots department, and for the last decade, he has excelled as a Casino Host.

With a remarkable 50-year connection to both the Tribal community and the EQC family, Allan has seen the transformation from a small riverboat casino to the stunning resort it is today. Outside of work, he is a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Known for his warm personality and unwavering dedication, Allan has built strong relationships with countless casino guests and earned the iration and respect of his colleagues. His commitment to providing a top-tier entertainment experience has made him a beloved figure at EQC.

With over 14 years of experience in the casino and hospitality industry, James brings a wealth of expertise in providing top-tier service and creating exceptional experiences for guests. As a seasoned Casino Host, James has developed a keen ability to anticipate and exceed the needs of high-profile players and VIP guests, ensuring every visit is memorable and tailored to perfection. Known for their strong interpersonal skills and extensive knowledge of casino operations, James excels in building lasting relationships with guests and enhancing their overall experience. Whether coordinating special events, arranging personalized services, or offering exclusive rewards, James is committed to delivering unparalleled service that reflects the highest standards of the industry. In his off time, James enjoys spending time with his family and friends, bowling, shooting pool, and watching a good movie.

Tallon began his career in the casino industry in 2022 after attending Washington State University. He initially ed the Emerald Queen Casino’s Marketing Department, where he spent two years refining his skills. Eager to connect more personally with guests, Tallon transitioned to the Player Development team as a Casino Host, where he is now dedicated to enhancing each guest's experience. Tallon takes pride in creating memorable, personalized experiences that keep guests satisfied with their visit to the EQC.
When he’s not on the casino floor, Tallon enjoys attending sporting events, golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. Don’t hesitate to say hello when you see him around the casino!