Karen Listo has been officially appointed General Manager of Desert Diamond Casino West Valley and Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks, effective September 23. She had been serving as interim GM since earlier this year.
An enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, which owns all five Desert Diamond properties across Arizona, Listo previously managed the Nation’s three southern Arizona casinos before moving to the West Valley locations.
Why the Promotion Was a Natural Fit
The move provides a seamless transition, since Listo was already overseeing operations in her interim role. Desert Diamond’s West Valley casinos have grown rapidly from a small bingo hall into major competitors in the Phoenix Valley gaming market, requiring experienced leadership.
CEO Daniele Chilton, who joined in February to oversee all five properties, praised Listo’s leadership as essential for guiding the company’s nearly 4,000 employees and ensuring continued growth.
What Changes Under Listo’s Leadership
With the interim tag gone, Listo now gains authority for long-term strategic planning while continuing day-to-day management. She expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying she is “humbled and honoured” to serve as GM and highlighted the casinos’ rise as leaders in gaming entertainment across the Phoenix Valley.
Fitting Into Desert Diamond’s Growth Strategy
Listo’s vision builds on the casinos’ humble beginnings as a bingo facility while focusing on future expansion. She emphasized her commitment to strengthening Desert Diamond’s enterprise-wide success and sustaining its role as a major economic engine for both the Nation and Arizona.
Chilton added that Listo is well-positioned to drive expansion in the competitive Phoenix market, ensuring the West Valley properties continue exceeding expectations as part of Desert Diamond’s statewide growth strategy.
