Candice Lozano
Wayne
Summary
Results-driven Director of Government Relations with expertise in relationship building and policy analysis. Proven track record of developing effective lobbying strategies that yield favorable outcomes for organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Government Relations
Gold Rush Gaming
Hoffman Estates, IL
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Developed and maintained relationships with government officials to support organizational goals.
- Monitored legislative developments impacting gaming regulations to inform strategic decisions.
- Coordinated advocacy efforts and prepared materials for stakeholder engagement initiatives.
- Assisted in drafting policy recommendations aligned with organizational objectives.
- Participated in public hearings and meetings to represent organizational interests effectively.
- Developed successful lobbying strategies for legislative initiatives, resulting in favorable policy outcomes.
- Organized successful advocacy events that raised awareness about key issues among policymakers and the public.
Government Affairs & Market Manager
Pace-O-Matic
Duluth, GA
11.2019 - 03.2023
- Developed and executed targeted marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and market penetration.
- Grew the Kansas Market by 150% in one year.
- Executed brand acknowledgement by driving a logo'ed van thru the state of Kansas and attending high foot trafficked events.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for product positioning and competitive advantage.
- Managed budget allocation for marketing initiatives, ensuring optimal resource utilization across campaigns.
- Oversaw implementation of CRM/SalesForce systems to track customer engagement and optimize communication strategies.
- Streamlined internal processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by pursuing new business.
- Maintained product knowledge to assist customers in making informed purchase decisions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
Director of Government Affairs
Second State Gaming
Harrisburg, PA
12.2017 - 11.2020
- Contributed to the passage of House Bill 271, focusing on the advancement of truck stop gaming initiatives in Pennsylvania.
- Assisted in establishing foundational operations for a gaming company in Pennsylvania.
- Developed and implemented government relations strategies to advance organizational objectives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to analyze legislative impacts on gaming operations.
- Advocated for favorable regulatory policies through strategic engagement with policymakers.
- Led cross-functional teams to align advocacy efforts with corporate goals and objectives.
- Monitored legislative developments and communicated risks and opportunities to executive leadership.
- Implemented a robust tracking system for legislation impacting the organization''s mission, ensuring timely updates were provided to relevant stakeholders.
Director of Government Affairs
B&B Amusements of Illinois
Bloomington, IL
10.2010 - 11.2020
- Developed and implemented government relations strategies to advance organizational objectives.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in government affairs and lobbying techniques.
- Analyzed information and converted related activities into comprehensive work plans.
- Monitored legislation and regulatory developments closely, proactively identifying opportunities for intervention and engagement.
- Displayed advanced knowledge of local and regional government structure and law-making processes.
- Maintained an extensive network of contacts among industry peers, coalitions partners, trade associations; which facilitated information sharing.
- Established strong relationships with key industry associations to enhance collaborative efforts.
- Coordinated grassroots campaigns to mobilize community support for gaming initiatives.
Business Manager
SEGA Station @ Station Casino
Kansas City, MO
02.1996 - 06.2020
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
- Developed and implemented impactful marketing strategies to drive foot traffic and increase sales.
- Administered inventory control processes to ensure product availability.
- Administered meter and token collections while preparing P&L statements to maintain financial accuracy and integrity.
- Managed budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation to meet business objectives effectively.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged professional growth.
- Coordinated scheduling for all employees to ensure adequate staffing levels.
Sales Associate
SYSCO Food Services
Columbus, OH
07.2008 - 07.2009
- Recognized with multiple year-end awards, including MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. Awarded Top in Flight and Rookie Area CAB awards for exceptional contributions to team success.
- Developed and implemented strategies that resulted in 70% growth of accounts within the first year.
- Executed sales transactions accurately, ensuring efficient checkout processes.
- Educated customers on product features and benefits, driving informed purchasing decisions.
- Developed strong product knowledge to effectively answer customer questions and assist with purchasing decisions.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Completed food safety quality assurance certification, demonstrating commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards.
- Identified recurring issues and collaborated with management to develop solutions, improving response times.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
Regional Sales Representative
SEGA Amusements USA
Elk Grove Village, IL
02.2006 - 06.2009
- Collaborated with amusement sales teams to drive equipment and merchandise sales.
- Achieved targeted sales goals consistently each quarter.
- Cultivated and sustained strategic relationships with key clients to enhance regional sales performance.
- Assisted in marketing & sales of merchandise and games at annual trade shows, including ASD Show, AMOA, NATSO, IAPPA, ASI.
- Designed and assembled merchandise kits for merchandiser games within amusement market.
- Presented product demonstrations at trade shows, effectively showcasing features and benefits to potential customers.
- Executed a significant sales initiative, resulting in the successful sale of over 350 cranes to Pilot Flying J operators across the United States.
- Developed monthly plush rotation plan for new crane buyers to enhance sales of Disney plush merchandise.
- Helped train operators on COGS % on SEGA Merchandisers.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for product expansion.
- Analyzed sales data to refine forecasting accuracy and improve inventory management processes.
- Fulfilled customer queries over phone, in-person and through email to provide and maintain highest level of customer care.
- Performed cold-calling and follow-ups with leads to secure new revenue.
- Liaised with customer service department personnel to support order processing and product flow.
- Built a strong referral network by consistently delivering exceptional service and support to clients, leading to increased word-of-mouth business opportunities.
Director of Food and Beverage
Gameworks
Columbus, OH
07.2000 - 02.2006
- Analyzed and optimized monthly food and beverage PNL statements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinated and delivered comprehensive training sessions for management teams at diverse corporate sites.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance menu offerings and align with customer preferences.
- Directed operational improvements, increasing efficiency across food and beverage service areas.
- Implemented staff training programs to elevate service standards and improve team performance.
- Managed vendor relationships, optimizing procurement processes for cost-effective sourcing of ingredients.
- Analyzed customer feedback to refine service delivery and enhance overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Managed budgets effectively, tracking expenses closely and adjusting allocations as needed throughout the fiscal year.
- Developed a strong team of food service professionals, selecting top talent through comprehensive recruitment initiatives.
- Executed restaurant rebranding initiative, ensuring seamless integration of entirely new menu offerings.
- Cultivated partnerships with local vendors to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Education
High School Diploma -
Marceline High School
Marceline, MONo Degree - Psychology
William Jewell
Liberty, MO01-1998
Skills
- Public relations
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Crisis management
- Policy analysis
- Coalition building
- Lobbying
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Leadership skills
- Multitasking Abilities
Certification
- Registered Lobbyist Pennsylvania - 2014-2020
- Registered Lobbyist Indiana - 2016-2018
- Registered Lobbyist Mississippi - 2016-2019
- Registered Lobbyist Illinois - 2016-2020
- Registered Lobbyist Missouri - 2016-2024
- Registered Lobbyist Virginia - 2019-2022
- Registered Lobbyist Arkansas - 2020-2020
- Registered Lobbyist North Carolina - 2023-2024
Compliant with all state law ethics regulations.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Director of Government Relations
Gold Rush Gaming
03.2023 - 03.2024
Government Affairs & Market Manager
Pace-O-Matic
11.2019 - 03.2023
Director of Government Affairs
Second State Gaming
12.2017 - 11.2020
Director of Government Affairs
B&B Amusements of Illinois
10.2010 - 11.2020
Sales Associate
SYSCO Food Services
07.2008 - 07.2009
Regional Sales Representative
SEGA Amusements USA
02.2006 - 06.2009
Director of Food and Beverage
Gameworks
07.2000 - 02.2006
Business Manager
SEGA Station @ Station Casino
02.1996 - 06.2020
High School Diploma -
Marceline High School
No Degree - Psychology
William Jewell