Wind Creek Hospitality has named seasoned industry professional Jahnae Erpenbach as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland in Illinois, leveraging her extensive experience of over 35 years in gaming and hospitality management.
As a native of Illinois, Erpenbach boasts a diverse background in marketing, operations, leadership across multiple properties, and corporate governance. She has established strong connections with the Illinois Gaming Board, enhancing her credibility in the field.
“Joining Wind Creek Hospitality and taking the helm at Wind Creek Chicago Southland is a tremendous honor for me,” Erpenbach expressed. “I am confident that when employees feel proud and supported, extraordinary results follow, benefiting our teams, guests, and the wider community. I am eager to collaborate on creating something exceptional.”
Prior to her role at Wind Creek, Erpenbach was the General Manager of Golden Nugget Danville, where she directed operations post-launch, emphasizing organizational alignment and staff engagement.
Her career also includes leadership as CEO and Board Chairwoman of Spectacle Entertainment, where she played a pivotal role in the development and launch of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
“Jahnae exemplifies leadership with her distinctive combination of operational skills and advanced marketing strategies,” noted Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality. “Her profound knowledge of the Chicagoland market, robust regulatory connections, and dedication to people-centric leadership make her the perfect choice to steer Wind Creek Chicago Southland toward its next growth chapter.”
As indicated in a company announcement, Erpenbach “has earned a reputation for being a dynamic and compassionate leader who understands that a strong workplace culture is key to driving performance.” The statement highlighted her commitment to creating work environments where employees feel valued and engaged, ultimately enhancing guest satisfaction and business success.

