Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

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.

Verlin has been with the Commission for over 23 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 September 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 thing to Roy is his family. Other activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking helps to keep Roy 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.

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 is an Enrolled Member of the EBCI & is thankful for being able to serve the community in his position. He holds a Certificate from SCC in Business Administration and is pursuing an associate degree. He served as a Police Officer with CIPD for several years before joining the Surveillance Dept. and then the Commission in 2019. Hobbies include spending time with his daughter, hiking, visiting breweries, touring waterfalls, outdoor photography, and volunteering with the MTS non-profit group.

Danny was born in South Florida but was raised in Haywood County, NC. He started work at Harrah's Cherokee in 2013 after leaving the US Air Force. He has worked as a Table Games Dealer, Gaming Host, Cage Cashier and most recently as a Dual Rate Supervisor in Surveillance. Danny's interests include spending time with family and friends, video games, playing golf, and almost anything Star Wars.