BUFFALO, NY (February 10, 2025) – Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives (BNSME) has named Kevin Nephew, president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC), its 2025 Executive of the Year. Nephew will be honored at the Executive of the Year and Elite Sales and Marketing Awards Gala on Monday, April 28, 2025. The event, which also honors the region’s top trade professionals, will take place at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. The event is open to the business community.
BNSME, a regional professional development and networking group, established the annual award to recognize a prominent business leader from Western New York whose work has produced economic benefits for their organization and the community, as well as advanced the sales and marketing professions.
“I am incredibly grateful to BNSME for this prestigious honor,” Nephew said. “As a business executive, I stand on the shoulders of more than 3,000 team members at Seneca Gaming Corporation who amaze me with their dedication, commitment and creativity. This award is a reflection on the work they do every day to exceed our guests’ expectations and on the remarkable contributions the Seneca Nation continues to make to help move our region and our economy forward.”
Nephew was named president and CEO of SGC in October 2020, becoming the first member of the Seneca Nation to lead the company. He oversees the operation and performance of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo, and Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston. The corporation employs more than 3,000 people, making SGC one of the region’s largest private employers. Under Nephew’s leadership, SGC has not only continued to make significant investments in its properties, amenities and team members, but, as important, the company has also continued to build strong partnerships with a growing network of local businesses, charitable organizations and community partners. Each year, SGC spends more than $150 million with Western New York vendors and suppliers, further supporting thousands of additional jobs in the local economy.
“Kevin Nephew’s leadership and vision have not only propelled Seneca Gaming Corporation as a standout employer but have also significantly contributed to the economic vitality of our region,” said BNSME President Stephen Neuss. “His dedication to innovation and community engagement exemplifies the qualities we honor with this award.”
Nephew joined SGC in 2014 as director of budget & financial analysis and went on to serve as executive director of continuous improvement, and vice president of organization improvement and development before his appointment as president and CEO. Prior to joining SGC, Nephew worked in a series of finance positions for New York State for 22 years, including roles with the New York State Office of Technology, the New York State Department of Tax and Finance, and the New York State Division of Budget. He is a graduate of Bucknell University and earned his MBA from Columbia University. Nephew also holds Kaizen training certification in continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma management certification.
SCG attracts millions of visitors from throughout the region, across the country and around the world to Western New York each year. Across the company’s world-class destinations, guests can indulge in 20 delicious dining destinations, 12 exciting bars, more than 5,000 slot machines, over 125 table games, two AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotels with over 1,000 deluxe rooms and suites, live entertainment, luxurious spas and salons, an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II-designed championship golf course, and other amenities. The Seneca properties have received numerous accolades and awards from outlets including USA Today, Newsweek, Wine Spectator, the American Gaming Association, Casino Player magazine, and others.
To learn more about the April 28 Gala, go to https://bnsme.org/Awards. Tops Friendly Markets is a Gold Sponsor and more sponsors are welcome, including the exclusive Presenting sponsorship. Other sponsors at this time include the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and the West Herr Auto Group. Ticket information is also available online.
