Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Daniele Chilton of Desert Diamond Casinos.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
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Daniele Chilton, CEO, Desert Diamond Casinos
Background: Chilton is the CEO for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise/Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment. She is a Tohono O’odham tribal member and has over 32 years of experience in the casino gaming industry. As CEO, Chilton is responsible for the operational oversight, management and regulatory compliance of five casino gaming properties in the Phoenix Metro and Southern Arizona regions. She works to ensure a successful and efficient operation for the Tohono O’odham Nation’s business.
Advice to younger self: “A piece of advice I would give my younger self is do not be afraid to take more chances and be your own advocate. There will be different times in your life in which you have to be your own cheerleader to erase self-doubt and take advantage of the opportunities when they become available.”
Surprising fact: “Most people do not know this, but I am a fan of the Korean pop group BTS. My daughter got me hooked and we both enjoy their music and attending their concerts.”
