American Gaming Association announces senior-level staff hires

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced Thursday it has added four new senior-level staff members, furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry.

The organization has now welcomed Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications; Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations; Meredith Pallante, senior director of events; and Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance.

“There’s never been a been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry, and our ability to attract this level of talent reflects that,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO. “These four, high-caliber professionals represent a broad array of experience and talent that will be an asset to our industry and our members day in and day out.”

• Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications

DeBaun develops and leads AGA’s integrated communications strategies to promote the social and economic value of the $261 billion U.S. casino gaming industry. Previously, she served as the director of communications for Project: Time Off at the U.S. Travel Association and led national social change efforts for federal government campaigns at Ogilvy Public Relations. DeBaun and her work have been recognized by PR News, Public Relations Society of America, Washington Women in PR, and the American Society of Association Executives.

• Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations

Feil advocates for AGA’s objectives and goals in state legislatures and regulatory bodies around the country. Before joining AGA, she was an associate at a boutique DC-based law firm, where she specialized in litigation, regulatory compliance, and licensing for gaming companies and worked with iDEA Growth. Feil was recently named to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming: 40 Under 40, Class of 2019-2020.

• Meredith Pallante, senior director of events

Pallante brings more than a decade of experience in event creation and operations to her new role overseeing the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) brand and portfolio of events: G2E Las Vegas and G2E Asia. Prior to joining AGA, she led domestic and international events at the Consumer Technology Association, including managing CES Keynote logistics and partnerships. She previously oversaw international and domestic trade show operations for the Association for Manufacturing Technology.

• Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance

As a licensed CPA, Voorhies oversees AGA’s financial operations and human resources department. She has three decades of defense contracting and nonprofit experience having held positions at Electronic Data Systems and SAIC, and most recently at IPMA-HR, a public safety association.

These additions complement organizational changes announced earlier this summer, reflecting AGA’s enhanced focus on industry modernization, communications, and advocacy. Other recent additions to AGA’s growing team include Will Dennis, manager of strategic communications; Audra Hill, executive assistant; Brandon Leggiero, manager of government relations and PAC director; and Mirvantz Pierre, finance and operations coordinator.