Meet the Staff | cherokee-gaming-comm

"Our employees are dedicated to the pursuit of the protection of Tribal Assets while insuring fairness and integrity throughout."

Rita served in the US Navy aboard the USS Acadia prior to working as an Office Manager at a Women's Clinic. She began her career with the TGC in March ‘98 as a Gaming Inspector, working her way through a variety of titles before being hired as the Executive Director in May ‘17. While working for the Commission Rita received a Bachelors in Business Administration furthering her education to a Master's in Management in Leadership at Montreat College in '09. Her downtime is spent with her family.

Meet Our Staff

Our Staff consists of highly trained personnel who have well over a combined total of 236 years of gaming experience as of 2015. Over 80% of our staff has a Bachelor's degree or higher. We operate under our own separate Personnel Policy from the Tribe and Casino. Our Staff is highly motivated and well trained. The Executive Director is hired by the Tribal Gaming Commission Commissioners. The day to day staff report directly to the Managers and Supervisors at each property. The Managers report directly to the Executive Director.

(Click photos to read each employees biography)

Rita Grasty

Executive Director - Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

Main Office Staff

CherokeeTribalGamingCommission_FF1-02_ed

Main Office Phone Numbers:

828-497-7556

828-554-2010

828-497-0089 - FAX

Tonya came to the Commission in 1999 as a Background/License Officer, from Tribal Bingo. She later became the Administrative Manager. Tonya holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She resides in the Wolftown Community with her husband and two children, Kendall and Anthony.

Libbi started the Gaming Commission as a License Officer/Background Investigator in 2011 and now is the Tribal Gaming Commission License Supervisor. She enjoys quality time with her 3 kids and her 3 grandbabies. Her favorite past-times include camping and hiking.

Melissa has been employed with the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission since September 1999. She resides in the Birdtown Community with her three children: Blake, Rossi and Jaxtyn. She has an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Montreat College. She oversees an annual budget for the Commission of $7.2 million dollars.

Teia came to work at the Gaming commission in 2015 as the receptionist at the Main office. Then started as a license officer in 2016. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids, Memphis and Charlie Rose.

Melissa came to the TGC from the Casino where she worked for 5 Years. She enjoys spending time with her son and listening to music. Melissa is currently pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Melissa Smith

Finance Officer

828-554-1372

Libbi Rose

License Supervisor

828-554-1378

Teia Corbin

License Officer

828-554-1373

Melissa Phillips

License Assistant/Receptionist

828-554-1376

Tonya "Sunshine" Toineeta

Administrative Manager

828-554-1371

Cherokee Office Phone Numbers:

828-497-8835

828-497-8270

828-497-7935 - FAX

Emra came to the TGC with a total of 12 years Casino Experience. She began in Table Games and then moved to the Casino Marketing Team as a Casino Host. Emra climbed the ladder to a Casino Marketing Manager where she oversaw the VIP Host Team. Emra holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and in History from ETSU. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Oklahoma, specializing in Indian Law. Emra enjoys globetrotting and spending time with her family and friends.

Don lives in the Big Cove Community with his wife. He holds a Masters Degree in Management and Leadership from Montreat College. He has 3 children and enjoys gardening and enjoying his grandchildren.

Shelly has been with the Commission since 2012. She graduated from Southwestern Community College with a diploma in HVAC and Heating and Refrigeration, in which she also holds universal certification. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.

Katie started her career with the Gaming Commission in 2017. Before coming to the Commission, Katie was employed for 11.5 years by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Katie held positions in the Food and Beverage and Beverage/Operations departments. Katie is currently working towards her Bachelors in Business Management. She enjoys spending time with her three children, Cohen, Jayla, and Teigan and her husband Jeremy.

In 2019 Verlin has been with the Commission for 20 years, prior to the Commission he worked for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. In his spare time, Verlin enjoys fishing and the outdoors. He resides in the 3200 Acre Tract Community.

Roy has been with the Commission since October of 2012 and began working in the gaming industry in 2008. He holds diplomas in HVAC and Refrigeration Technology and Electrical/Electronic Technology from Southwestern Community College. The most important interest he has outside of work is his family, wife, Maria and sons Steve and William. Other interests are hunting, fishing, football, basketball, and other outdoor activities which keep him active.

Telly has worked for the Commission since 2004, prior to that he worked at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in the positions of Impressment Staff and as a Games Performance Slot Technician. Telly has 3 degrees from Western Carolina University that include a degree in European History, Modern Philosophy, and Special Education.

Sandy joined the Gaming Commission in 2015. She previously worked for Harrahs Cherokee Casino in the Finance and Surveillance Departments. She holds a AA, AS in Forest Technology and a BS in Natural Resources from Western Carolina University. In her spare time she loves spending time outdoors and at home with her three cats and one dog.

Shawn started working in the gaming industry in 1995 at the Tribal Casino/Bingo with 30 machines. Shawn quickly became an Operations Supervisor. During his employment as Operations Supervisor, he received Excellence in Management and Supervisory training certificates. He left the industry in 2002, and returned in 2012 as a Surveillance Officer, prior to joining the Commission in Jan. 2015. Shawn’s hobbies include hunting and watching his children play sports.

Matt began his career at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in 2006 and has held various positions during his tenure such as Game technician, Gaming Host, Surveillance, and VIP Host. Matthew has certifications in diversity training, negotiations, and risk management. Matthew’s hobbies include motorcycling, antiques, and traveling.

Jon came to the commission in 2016 after having worked in the Surveillance Dept. for Harrah's Cherokee.

Jon earned a BS in Fisheries & Wildlife Management from NC State.

He is a Founding Sponsor of the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium in Bryson City, where he enjoys volunteering as the Aquarium Biologist.

Phasouk began working for the Gaming Commission in 2016. He joined Harrah’s Cherokee in 2009 and had held positions in the Table Games and Beverage Departments where he was a Supervisor. Phasouk attended GA State University after serving 8 years in the US Navy. He enjoys playing golf, weight training, and spending time with his dog.

Robert was with Harrah's Cherokee for 19 Years total. He has held positions in Games Performance, Finance and Operations. Robert is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting. He enjoys spending time with his 3 children, playing bass guitar and video gaming.

Brian began working for the commission in 2018. He began his employment with Harrah's Cherokee Casino in April 1998. Brian spent over 20 years working on the Drop Team. Brian likes to spend his free time with his 3 kids.

Andrew spent 4 years in the United States Army before joining the staff at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort as a Dual-Rate Surveillance Supervisor. Andrew held that position for two and a half years before he joined the Gaming Commission in 2018 at our Murphy property. Andrew enjoys playing PC games and spending time at the gun range in his spare time.

Luther left the Casino after working just over 2 years in the Surveillance Department as a Dual Rate Supervisor. Luther has a degree from Southwestern Community College in Cyber Crime Technologies. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.

Jordan joined the Commission in 2019. He has previously held his North Carolina State Law Enforcement Certification, and currently holds a Certificate from SCC in Business Administration. He previously served as a Police Officer with the CIPD for several years before joining the Surveillance Department at the Cherokee Property. His hobbies include spending time with his family, taking his family hiking, outdoor photography, competitive gaming, and volunteering with local non-profit groups.

Telly Banks

Lead Inspector

828-497-8270

Katie Smith

Administrative Assistant

828-497-8910

Matt Bigmeat

Inspector

828-497-8270

Roy Bradley

Lead Inspector

828-497-8270

Shelly Blankenship

Asst. Supervisor of Enforcement

828-497-8270

Don Wolfe

Supervisor of Enforcement

828-497-8173

Emra Arkansas

Manager of Enforcement

828-497-8920

Verlin Lambert

Lead Inspector

828-497-8270

Shawn Saunooke

Inspector

828-497-8270

Sandra Bleckley

Inspector

828-497-8270

Phasouk Khioukhom

Inspector

828-497-8270

Jonathan Smith

Inspector

828-497-8270

Robert Nicholson

Inspector

828-497-8270

Andrew Weaver

Inspector

828-497-8270

Brian Motola

Inspector

828-497-8270

Luther "Luke" Huffman

Inspector

828-497-8270

Jordan Sampson

Inspector

828-497-8270

Valley River Office Phone Numbers:

828-422-5015

828-422-5222 - FAX

Jim came to the Commission from the Casino where he held the position of Surveillance Manager. He has a total of 22 plus years of Gaming experience. He holds a Master’s Degree from Montreat College. Jim has been married for 19 years and has 3 Daughters ages 2, 9, and 18. Jim enjoys fishing, Sports and family time.

Luke Buchanan is the Supervisor of Enforcement at the Murphy property. Luke has 8+ years casino experience and 13+ years with the Gaming Commission.

Stephen was born in Sylva and now resides in Marble with his wife Erin and their children. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing Magic the Gathering. He has attended Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University where he studied History and Political Science.

Wanda has been with the Tribal Gaming Commission since it was originally established. She earned both her B.S. in Business Administration and her M.S. in Management and Leadership from Montreat College. Over the years she has held several positions with the Gaming Commission. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys traveling with her family.

Bruce came to the commission from the Casino where he worked in the Surveillance Department. He has previously worked for the Jackson County Justice Center and as a Public Safety Officer for Southwestern Community College. His hobbies include Gunsmithing, Competitive Marksmanship and spending time with his 2 daughters Alaina and Madeline.

Tina joined the Gaming Commission in 2015. Before coming to the Gaming Commission she worked for Harrahs Cherokee for a total of 14 years. Tina holds an Associates Degree in Information Technologies. She currently resides in Murphy with her husband Steve. She is a proud mother of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and cooking.

Tim joined the Commission in January 2015. Tim is a graduate of Pisgah High School and has a degree in Electronic Engineering. Tim worked at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino as a technician for three years. Tim spends his spare time in the outdoors as much as possible.

Mark left Harrah’s Cherokee after 5 years to join the Gaming Commission in 2016. While at Harrah’s Cherokee he earned the title of Manager in the Table Games Department. Mark attended UNC-Charlotte and lives in Andrews with his wife and son.

Chris started in the Surveillance Department of Harrah's Valley River Casino and Hotel when the new property opened. Chris holds a Bachelor's and Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida. He enjoys Music and Hiking in his spare time.

Dominick started at the Murphy Casino in 2015 with the Surveillance Department. Dominick joined the Gaming Commission in 2017. Dominick is a Appalachian State Graduate and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. In his spare time, Dominick likes to travel and watch soccer.

A native of Croatia, Zel started in the gaming industry in Indiana. Zel moved to Murphy and joined Games Performance at Harrah's Cherokee Valley River before the new property opened. He enjoys spending time at home with his wife in a house full of animals.

A native of Northeastern Ohio, Frank moved to Murphy to escape the cold winters. Frank joined the Gaming Commission in 2017 after 7 years in the Table Games Department. Frank now resides in Scenic Andrews, North Carolina with his wife, Amelia. In his spare time, Frank enjoys camping, cooking, grilling, and reading.

Zach is originally from South Florida, and started working for the casino back in 2016 as a hotel clerk. Then in 2017 he joined surveillance. He is currently working on getting a bachelor's in business management. In his spare time he likes to workout, play video games, and read.

Wanda McLendon

Administrative Assistant

828-422-5013

Tim Manuel

Inspector

828-422-5019

Tina Martin

Lead Inspector

828-422-5016

Mark Patti

Inspector

828-422-5015

Bruce Carpenter

Lead Inspector

828-422-5016

Luke Buchanan

Supervisor of Enforcement

828-422-5203

Mark Reed

Manager of Enforcement

828-422-5014

Stephen Shuler

Assist. Supervisor of Enforcement

828-422-5016

Dominick Hoyt

Inspector

828-422-5015

Chris Savage

Inspector

828-422-5015

Zeljko "Zel" Jagatic

Inspector

828-422-5015

Frank Miller

Inspector

828-422-5015

Zachry "Zach" Willie

Inspector

828-422-5015

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Wayne is a US Air Force Veteran and graduated from the University of Houston.

Wayne Seibert

Bingo Surveillance Officer

828-497-3848

Bingo Office Phone Numbers:

828-497-3848

828-497-4320 - FAX

Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

Meet Our Staff

Tonya Toineeta

Libbi Rose

Melissa Smith

Teia Corbin

Melissa Phillips

Emra Arkansas

Donald Wolfe

Shelly Blankenship

Katherine Smith

Verlin Lambert

Roy Bradley

Telly Banks

Sandra Bleckley

Shawn Saunooke

Matthew Bigmeat

Jonathan Smith

Phasouk Khioukhom

Robert Nicholson

Brian Motola

Andrew Weaver

Luther Huffman

Jordan Sampson

Jim Reed

Luke Buchanan

Stephen Shuler

Wanda McLendon

Bruce Carpenter

Tina Martin

Timothy Manuel

Mark Patti

Chris Savage

Dominick Hoyt

Zel Jagatic

Frank Miller

Zach Willie

Wayne Seibert

Telly Banks