FEBRUARY 2019 http://www.ggbmagazine.com^43quintessential mentor and Akerman for provid-
ing a supportive landscape, Malvin has forged
her own unique path in gaming law.
Malvin considers the evolving nature of
gaming law the most fascinating and rewarding
part of her work. Assisting her clients in inter-
preting and influencing the literal “letter of the
law” in gaming occupies much of her profes-
sional time. Malvin points to trends such as the
convergence of online gaming and sports bet-
ting, and the regulatory challenges they pres-
ent, as inflection points that will shape the
industry for generations to come. The potential
interactivity between federal and state law in
this area will change the nature of gaming law,
and Malvin is front and center in the discus-
sion.
During her tenure at Akerman, Malvin has
received notable honors including her distinc-
tion as a “Rising Star” in business litigation in
Super Lawyersmagazine in multiple years, and
“Up & Comer” in Florida Trend’s“Legal Elite.”
Malvin chaired and presented the ABA
Business Law Section program titled “Sports
Gambling in America: Showdown at the
United States Supreme Court” and its follow-
up webinar “Sports Gambling in the U.S. in a
Post-PASPA World.”
Additionally, she is a member of Global
Gaming Women, contributed the Florida sec-
tion of the Lex Mundi Global Gaming Law
Guide, and co-authored an article published by
Law360on litigation avoidance tips for inter-
national hotel operators. Malvin is currently
working on co-authoring a gaming law book
for business attorneys and is slated to speak at
several conferences in 2019.
Whether through her client representa-
tions, topical speaking engagements and publi-
cations, or ability to cultivate true and
meaningful relationships, Malvin is leading by
example. Her dedication to her clients, unique
perspective and innovative thinking as an attor-
ney, and commitment to progress in both law
and gaming make her a true Emerging Leader
of Gaming.
—Michael Soll, President, The Innovation GroupMaking the Magic
Jennifer Kearns
Executive Director of Marketing, Maryland Live!
CasinoJ
ennifer Kearns is the assistant director of advertising and
partnerships at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland. She
was recruited by Live! from Philadelphia’s SugarHouse
Casino in January 2016 as director of relationship marketing,
and to spearhead the launch of its customer relationship
management (CRM) system. Since then, Kearns has proven
herself to be a driven leader, quickly rising from her role as
director to executive director, and then being promoted into
her current role in the summer of 2018.
After graduating from Hussian College in Philadelphia,
Kearns began her career working in graphic design and adver-
tising. She joined SugarHouse Casino as a member of the
grand opening team, having only visited a casino once before.
Kearns immersed herself in all aspects of the casino’s op-
erations, always listening closely to and learning from her col-
leagues as well as guests of the property. As a result of her
paying close attention to customer feedback, as well as the
guidance of more senior executives, Kearns quickly pro-
gressed through several roles including slots, VIP services,
casino host, CRM manager, executive host and casino mar-
keting manager. Through a new CRM strategy, Kearns dra-
matically increased customer service survey scores, resulting
in two consecutive years of quarterly max bonus achievement, property-wide.
Kearns ascribes her analytical personality to help drive her career development.
“Finding a balance between fiscal soundness and guest experience is difficult, but when
achieved, results in a win-win for everyone,” she says.
She also credits mentor Penny Parayo, with whom she had the opportunity to work for two
years at Live!, for teaching her about how to be a great leader and a positive mentor, and to always
encourage others to strive for more.
Applying those lessons in her day-to-day activities, Kearns endeavors to continually pay it for-
ward. For example, she works with her VIP services team and hosts, counseling them to find oppor-
tunities to take active leadership roles in projects that meet their skill set and interests.
An avid Disney fan, Kearns embodies the commitment of Live! parent company, The Cordish
Companies, to create an unforgettable experience for guests, and has always tried to infuse that
“magic” into every guest experience. She appreciates the freedom she has to exercise creative liberty
and agility with her programming and enjoys being in a position to positively impact her local com-
munity.
For example, in 2017, with only two months’ lead time, Kearns planned and executed a silent
and live auction, featuring hundreds of gifts donated from several regional partners, with more than
600 guests in attendance. Ultimately, the event grossed far more than expected, and Live! was able to
donate a substantial portion of the proceeds to Toys for Tots.
Kearns believes that the passing of sports betting regionally, and the growth of social casinos will
open doors for a younger generation of casino professionals who grew up “online” and with social
media, and their comfort with technology and social engagement will position them as experts in
these developing areas.
As an Emerging Leader of Gaming, Kearns hopes to be a role model for these future leaders, and
is continually reminded to always challenge herself. Her advice: be kind and positive; always listen to
what people are truly saying, and always take notes!
—Allison McCoy, Vice President, Business Development, The Innovation Group“Finding a balance
between fiscal
soundness and guest
experience is
difficult, but when
achieved, results in
a win-win for
everyone.”
p. 42 emerging:Layout 1 1/10/19 12:31 PM Page 43