Lydia Acosta
Laveen,AZ
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Gila River Gaming Commission, excelling in regulatory compliance and strategic planning. Proven track record in policy development and team leadership, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality. Skilled in investigative techniques, fostering collaboration, and mentoring staff to achieve organizational goals. Committed to driving results and ensuring adherence to regulations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Director
Gila River Gaming Commission
Chandler, Arizona
03.2002 - Current
- Directed regulatory compliance initiatives for gaming operations and licensing processes.
- Oversaw development and implementation of gaming policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
- Managed audits and investigations to ensure adherence to gaming regulations.
- Coordinated communication between the commission and external regulatory agencies.
- Evaluated gaming operations to identify risks and recommend improvements.
- Facilitated strategic planning sessions to align commission goals with community needs.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding operations.
- Collaborated with other departments to identify areas for improvement and implement change.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for the organization.
- Represented the department at meetings, conferences, workshops.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, coached and evaluated personnel.
- Monitored and evaluated program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary.
- Assessed program performance against established goals and objectives.
- Directed staff in the accomplishment of organizational objectives.
- Engaged stakeholders by providing regular updates on progress toward goals.
- Prepared reports detailing activities of the department for senior management review.
- Coordinated efforts between multiple departments to achieve desired results.
- Facilitated dispute resolution among team members as needed.
- Managed budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Managed communication between department heads and senior management.
- Implemented customer service initiatives to improve client satisfaction.
- Participated in networking events to promote organizational interests.
Chief of Investigations
Gila River Gaming Commission
Chandler, Arizona
11.2014 - 03.2020
- Developed and implemented investigation protocols for effective case management.
- Led investigations into compliance violations within gaming operations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement on criminal investigations related to gaming activities.
- Trained staff on investigative techniques and regulatory requirements for gaming oversight.
- Reviewed evidence and documentation to support case development and closure.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects during investigative processes.
- Prepared detailed reports outlining findings and recommendations for regulatory action.
- Ensured adherence to state and federal regulations in all investigative activities.
- Identified, investigated and resolved internal and external theft and fraud.
- Advised senior management on legal matters related to investigations.
- Performed background checks on potential employees prior to hiring decisions being made.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies in support of ongoing investigations.
- Assisted in developing new initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of investigations.
- Reviewed existing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Trained personnel in proper investigative techniques and protocols.
- Maintained accurate records of all investigative activities including witness interviews, case notes, photographs, documents.
- Facilitated communication between investigators from different departments or organizations working together on a joint case.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing investigative results for senior management review.
- Monitored progress of pending investigations to ensure timely completion.
- Developed and implemented strategies for conducting investigations and collecting evidence.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to obtain statements regarding criminal activity.
- Organized, analyzed, evaluated, interpreted, and reported on investigative information.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
Gaming Investigator
Gila River Gaming Commission
Chandler, Arizona
10.2009 - 11.2014
- Conducted thorough investigations into compliance violations within gaming operations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and support cases.
- Analyzed surveillance footage to identify suspicious activities and patterns.
- Compiled detailed reports documenting findings and recommendations for action.
- Led investigative interviews with witnesses and suspects to gather critical information.
- Reviewed internal policies to ensure alignment with state and federal regulations.
- Attended training sessions to stay current on new investigative trends and technologies.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing investigative activities and results.
- Organized and maintained files of all investigative activities.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects to obtain information related to case.
- Adhered to departmental policies regarding investigations and reporting procedures.
- Completed comprehensive face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors and employers to generate reports to document investigative findings.
- Followed up on leads obtained through interviews or other sources.
- Testified under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Presented case summaries at team meetings for review purposes.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing tasks and meeting strict deadlines in high-pressure environments.
- Utilized various databases and public records to research and compile information relevant to investigations.
- Documented facts and statements gathered from complainants, witnesses and accused persons.
Gaming Inspector
Gila River Gaming Commission
Chandler, Arizona
03.2002 - 10.2009
- Inspected gaming operations for compliance with regulations and standards.
- Monitored gaming equipment for functionality and fair play practices.
- Conducted audits of gaming activities to ensure transparency and integrity.
- Reviewed incident reports to assess gaming operation issues and resolutions.
- Provided guidance on regulatory changes impacting gaming operations.
- Developed reports detailing inspection findings for regulatory review and action.
- Performed regular inspections of gaming equipment to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Prepared detailed reports outlining the results of each inspection and investigation performed.
- Monitored surveillance systems within gaming establishments in order to detect any irregularities or suspicious behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of all inspections, investigations, and other regulatory activities completed.
- Performed audits daily on slots, gaming tables, cage and non-gaming areas.
- Responded promptly to requests for assistance from casino staff members during incidents involving suspected fraud or cheating.
- Conducted thorough investigations of potential violations, such as fraudulent activity or illegal gambling.
- Verified that all games were being operated properly according to established rules.
- Investigated complaints from patrons regarding alleged violations by casino personnel.
- Monitored facility activities in multiple areas using CCTV cameras, video recorders and computers.
- Identified suspicious activity through strong understanding of cheating techniques and advantage play methods.
- Maintained professional and respectful demeanor, even in situations of extreme stress, remaining alert, focused and effective to carry out security-related missions.
- Reported violations and suspicious patrons to supervisors.
- Used audio-video equipment to observe casino or hotel operations for cheating or theft.
- Communicated violations to appropriate personnel and followed up with detailed documentation of incidents.
- Reviewed video surveillance footage to identify individuals and support investigations.
- Greeted casino guests and made each feel welcome, directing individuals to target casino areas to begin engagement with internal services.
- Operated electronic surveillance equipment to observe, track and document gambling activities on gaming floor.
- Enforced adherence to state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
Education
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Maricopa Community Colleges, South Mountain Community College
Phoenix, AZ03-2017
Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy development
- Strategic planning
- Investigative techniques
- Team leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Communication skills
Affiliations
I love to spend my free time golfing, playing softball, hiking, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
Accomplishments
- I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa
- I have completed Rapport Leadership Development I
Certification
Arizona Department of Gaming State Certification
Gila River Gaming Commission Tribal Gaming License
Arizona Notary- expires in 2/2027
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief of Investigations
Gila River Gaming Commission
11.2014 - 03.2020
Gaming Investigator
Gila River Gaming Commission
10.2009 - 11.2014
Deputy Director
Gila River Gaming Commission
03.2002 - Current
Gaming Inspector
Gila River Gaming Commission
03.2002 - 10.2009
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Maricopa Community Colleges, South Mountain Community College
Similar Profiles
Megan KnoxMegan Knox
Poker Dealer/Cashier/Dual Rate Shift Manager at Gila River Gaming Enterprises Inc.Poker Dealer/Cashier/Dual Rate Shift Manager at Gila River Gaming Enterprises Inc.
Jessica McKennyJessica McKenny
CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF DATABASE / MARKETING ANALYST at GILA RIVER GAMING ENTERPRISESCORPORATE DIRECTOR OF DATABASE / MARKETING ANALYST at GILA RIVER GAMING ENTERPRISES
Steven Robert FinkleSteven Robert Finkle
Director of Food and Beverage at Gila River Gaming EnterpriseDirector of Food and Beverage at Gila River Gaming Enterprise
Alejandro MontoyaAlejandro Montoya
Warehouse Worker at AmazonWarehouse Worker at Amazon
Angel QuijanoAngel Quijano
Manufacturing Operator at ERBE MedicalManufacturing Operator at ERBE Medical