At its recent annual meeting, the Seneca Gaming Corp. Board of Directors officially welcomed Erika Seneca-Hastie and Rory C. Wheeler as new board members and also elected board officers for 2025-2026.
Seneca-Hastie is a marketing professional with more than a decade of experience in business development, planning and executing strategic marketing efforts, digital marketing and brand development. As Director of Marketing & Operations at Tallchief Territory, she oversees all company operations for First American convenience store and fuel station and Native Pride Travel Plaza, a diverse business that includes a full-service fuel station, a 24/7 convenience store, quick service food options, a walk-in humidor and an array of services and amenities for travelers and over-the-road professional truck drivers.
Seneca-Hastie manages multi-channel marketing campaigns and leads cross-functional teams to drive revenue, while implementing process improvement initiatives to enhance operational safety and overall company performance. A graduate of the University at Buffalo, she serves on the Nicole & JC Seneca Foundation Board of Directors and has been recognized for her professional achievements with the 30 Under 30 Award from Buffalo Business First and the University at Buffalo Distinguished Indigenous Alumni Award.
Seneca-Hastie is a member of the Seneca Nation’s Turtle Clan.
Wheeler has extensive experience in Native American affairs at the federal, state and tribal levels, working on a wide range of issues including gaming, economic development, governance, legal affairs, and intergovernmental relations. He worked in the Biden-Harris Administration in the Office of United States Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, the Executive Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Office of United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians of California Tribal Court.
Wheeler holds a Juris Doctor with an Indian Law Certificate from Michigan State University College of Law, a BA from Niagara University, and attended the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) at the University of New Mexico School of Law. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Association on American Indian Affairs and the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. A member of the Seneca Nation’s Turtle Clan, he has served the Nation and surrounding communities as a law enforcement officer, volunteer firefighter, EMT, rescue technician, and has held positions across the Seneca Nation government and the Seneca Gaming Authority.
“Erika and Rory both bring a remarkable skill set, experience and intellect to the Board,” said Allie R. George, chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors. “With the ongoing changes and evolution in the gaming industry, we look forward to their collaboration and contributions as we work with our Senior Management Team to continue charting a path for the continued success and growth of Seneca Gaming Corporation and our three properties now and well into the future.”
In electing its officers for 2025-2026, the Board of Directors elected George to serve another term as chairman. He was appointed to the board in 2021 and has served as chairman since 2023.
Terry L. Nephew was again elected vice chairwoman. She was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2018, and has served three terms as vice chairwoman. Natalie N. Stahlman was elected treasurer for the second consecutive year. She was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2021 and serves as chair of the Board’s Audit Committee. Wheeler was elected board secretary.
The full membership of the Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors is:
• Allie R. George, Chairman
• Terry L. Nephew, Vice Chairwoman
• Natalie N. Stahlman, Treasurer
• Rory C. Wheeler, Board Secretary
• Geneva A. Locke, Director
• Erika Seneca-Hastie, Director