The influential land gambling trade body in the United States, the American Gaming Association, has announced the promotions of Keli Elkins to vice president of industry relations and Holly Wetzel to vice president of communications.
“Keli and Holly’s talents have been invaluable assets to the AGA for a number of years now,” said AGA President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. “They are natural leaders with a wealth of experience and deep knowledge of our industry, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next in their new roles.”
Elkins has been with the AGA since 2002, serving as director of special projects and playing critical roles in organising Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and G2E Asia, the industry’s premier trade show and conference events in North America and Asia respectively. She also directs other AGA events including the Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony, the AGA/AGEM Golf Classic and the National Center for Responsible Gaming’s (NCRG) annual conference and webinar series. As vice president of industry relations, Elkins will continue to build relationships with the industry and its stakeholders through partnerships with state gaming associations and industry events such as G2E, G2E Asia, and the Global Gaming Women initiative.
“With her extensive network of gaming industry relationships, fundraising expertise and event planning talents, Keli has been a key contributor to the AGA’s success,” Fahrenkopf said. “She knows our industry inside and out, and has continually developed top-notch programming that is invaluable to our members.”
Wetzel joined the AGA in 2005 as the communications director. In this role, she developed and managed integrated communications programs for the association and its affiliated 501(c)3 charity, the NCRG. As vice president of communications, Wetzel will lead communications initiatives for the AGA and the NCRG, working closely with senior leadership and member companies to tackle emerging gaming issues and raise public awareness of the industry.
“Holly has been instrumental in developing and keeping us focused on our strategic communications vision. She oversees multiple, complex campaigns and always manages to keep our short-term and long-term goals in constant view,” explains Fahrenkopf. “This new role is a natural fit, and we’re excited that she will be expanding her portfolio at the AGA.”