Placer Valley Business Person of the Year goes to Thunder Valley GM, Dawn Clayton

Clayton named Business Person of the Year and “Best of The Best” in Executive Operations

Lincoln, Calif. –Thunder Valley Casino Resort is proud to announce that its General Manager, Dawn Clayton, has been named Placer Valley’s 2022 Business Person of the Year and Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” in Executive Operations.

The Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Auburn, Lincoln, and Loomis Chambers collaborated with CLA (Clifton Larson Allen LLP) to sponsor the 2022 Placer Valley Business awards which were presented at Placer Valley 2022. The Business Person of the Year Award is given to someone who demonstrates superior professional skills and sound financial and moral business practices that enrich the company’s customers, employees, and community.

Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list recognizes executives who exemplify exceptional leadership and go above and beyond to meet the demands of the competitive and challenging hospitality and casino gaming business.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as Placer Valley’s 2022 Business Person of the Year and to have been named to Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list,” said Dawn Clayton. “Without the United Auburn Indian Community’s steadfast dedication to Placer County and the commitment of Thunder Valley’s exceptional team members, these awards would not be possible.”

Gaming Veteran

Dawn is a 40-plus-year veteran of the gaming/hospitality industry having held executive-level positions at commercial, riverboat, racinos, and Native American properties. She has been recognized as one of the Sacramento Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business; was named to the national 100 Women to Watch list compiled by Bizwomen; was featured in Forbes Magazine as one of California’s Women Business Leaders, and was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the American Association of University Women. 

Additionally, Dawn serves on the Board of Directors for PRIDE Industries, Inc., where she champions creating employment for individuals with disabilities, as well as serves on the Board of Directors for Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center. She also mentors and sponsors FLAME (Female Leadership and Mentor Exchange) that helps advance, encourage, and promote the next generation of female leaders in business. As an advocate for animals, Dawn also serves as the Board President for her local SPCA.