Cori Ann Rutherford is vice president and general manager of the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations and supervising more than 800 employees. A woman in a very competitive, male-dominated industry, she has driven the success of one of central Illinois’ largest attractions, a property with over 1.2 million annual visitors that generates millions of dollars in local tax revenue.
With complete budgetary authority, Rutherford is responsible for business development and the execution of a multi-million-dollar, long-term business strategy. She analyzes changes in the marketplace, conducts risk assessments, provides guidance on strategic and tactical matters, and works closely with regulators and governmental entities. During her tenure, she has improved profit margins and cash flow by implementing a number of revenue growth and cost containment initiatives.
With the highest team satisfaction scores in the company, Rutherford understands that her employees are her most important asset. She has implemented numerous strategies to engage staff, such as “Coffee with Cori,” an opportunity for team members to schedule personal meetings with her. She hosts quarterly review meetings and departmental roundtables, where team members are empowered to discuss their concerns and bring solutions to issues. She also routinely organizes off-site activities to show appreciation for her employees and their families.
Rutherford serves on the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Neighborhood House Board of Directors. She was also the 2012 co-chair of the Heart of Illinois United Way Pacesetter Campaign, in addition to being a United Way cabinet member. Rutherford attends scores of charity events each year, and has donated her time to The Center for Prevention of Abuse, Coats for Kids, St. Jude, Children’s Hospital of Illinois, American Cancer Society, Children’s Home, Davenport Iowa Child Advocacy Board and ICC’s Jose Madrigal Scholarship program.
She has also proven successful at balancing her home life with the obligations of a high-profile, demanding career, and enjoys being the mother of a three-year-old and two teenage stepchildren. iBi
