Drew Ebert

TOWER—Despite only being on the job for a few weeks, Bois Forte Business Development Corporation’s new CEO Andrew Ebert is already making a significant impact.
Not only is Ebert immersing himself in the inner workings of Bois Forte Tribal Government operations, but he is also soaking up as much information as he can about Fortune Bay Resort Casino, the economic engine that drives programming for Bois Forte band members.
To help with his transition, Ebert has spent a lot of time getting to know employees and guests by walking the casino floor and gleaning as much information as possible to get up to speed on what works for Fortune Bay and what doesn’t. He has also stepped in to help man the Gold Mine Grill when it gets overly busy, as he is not one to stand around and watch others do all the work. 
In Ebert’s eyes, Fortune Bay, which boasts a 172-room resort, casino, full-service marina, RV Park, golf course, dining options, and much more, has a lot of potential that still needs to be tapped. He’s also fully aware that the property, which is now over 38 years old, will need some renovations and expansion to truly position itself as a destination getaway.
A lot of the elements are already in place, as the property is located on one of the state’s largest and most popular lakes, which is home to great fishing and recreational activities. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay Golf Course, which is ranked as one of the state’s best public courses, draws in visitors from all over the region and country.
So, in many ways, the canvas is already set for Ebert to start painting his vision of how Fortune Bay and its staff can step up their game to help Bois Forte prosper for years to come. But he also realizes he’s only one person and will look to his leadership team and front-line staff for input in the process.
“I am big on having an open-door policy,” said Ebert at a recent meeting with his managers and directors. “So, if anyone has comments, questions, concerns, or great ideas to run with, I want to hear about them.”
Ebert, a Kansas City native, added that it doesn’t matter if those suggestions to improve our operations are immediate and small or entail mid-range or long-term goals. The crucial element is that he wants to start compiling a game plan in which proactive thinking trumps reactive thinking.
“We’re going to end up getting into strategic and capital planning very soon,” said Ebert, who most recently worked as the Executive Director for the Ponca Economic Development Corporation in Lincoln.
“It sounds like we’ve already had a lot of talks in the past about vision but not any execution.”
However, Ebert is confident he, along with the help of his new team, will have a clear vision for Fortune Bay and, ultimately, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
“These things I am talking about are not my ideas; I am getting them because I am talking to the people who do the work,” said Ebert, who was a self-employed Business Consultant for 13 years before his stint for the Ponca Tribe. “That’s what we need to do. There are a lot of good ideas here, a lot of good experience.”
For Bois Forte Tribal Chair Cathy Chavers, that positive way of thinking is what led the Tribal Council to select Ebert to lead Bois Forte to a promising future.
“He really stood out amongst the other candidates because he is a go-getter with a proven track record,” said Chavers of Ebert, who received a Bachelor of Communications and Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri. “We feel that Drew will be the perfect addition to our entire team, and we look forward to having much success under his leadership.”