OLYMPIA, WA — Sam Askew, executive director of resort operations at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, has been named to the advisory board of the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority by Chief Commerce Officer Lisa Brown. Askew fills a vacant position on the four-person committee set aside to represent the interests and perspectives of Washington’s tribal communities.
“Sam’s energy and vast experience in the hospitality industry will be a tremendous asset to the committee. We are thrilled to have his perspective and years of successful work with multiple Washington tribal-owned resorts and entertainment operations that collectively help strengthen our local and national economies,” said Commerce Director, Brown.
Askew currently oversees all operational aspects of resort hospitality and guest experience at Northern Quest, including hospitality, restaurants, spa, retail and transportation. The Northern Quest Resort & Casino is owned by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, whose leaders have commented on Askew’s “strong history of building and leading teams of diverse cultures and backgrounds but unified in spirit and direction”.
Askew previously worked as Executive Director of Resort Operations at Muckleshoot Casino, where he planned the development and launch of a 400-room luxury hotel originally slated for 2022 and delayed by the global pandemic. At Muckleshoot, he was also responsible for restaurant, retail, valet parking and casino floor renovations. Prior to Muckleshoot, Askew held several leadership positions for other tribal properties in Washington State, including the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Squaxin Island Tribes. Key positions include time as CEO of Port Madison Enterprises, the economic development arm of the Suquamish Tribe, and seven years as general manager/vice president of hospitality for Tulalip Resort Casino.
“I am honored to serve on the advisory committee and to speak with one voice on behalf of the tribes of Washington State,” Askew said. “I look forward to contributing to this committee and am grateful to the Kalispel Tribe for allowing me to serve in this valuable capacity to benefit Washington tourism.”
Askew fills a vacancy reserved for representing the interests and contributions of Washington’s tribal communities on the four-person committee. The committee advises the larger Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Board on funding and implementing a statewide tourism marketing plan.
Tourism is Washington State’s fourth largest industry, employing more than 182,700 workers and generating $21.4 billion in annual spending. Learn more on the authority’s webpage and visit www.stateofwatourism.com to plan your next Washington vacation.
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