Former Navajo Gaming CEO Brian Parrish dies

DÁ’DEESTŁ’IN HÓTSAA

Brian D. Parrish, a longtime gaming executive who led the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise for nearly a decade, died May 31, according to a celebration of life post shared by his family. He was 65.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 12 in the Dogwood Room at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Parrish’s career in gaming, hospitality and business operations spanned more than 30 years, including executive roles with Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Casino, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.

His LinkedIn profile listed him as chief operating officer of the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, a position he began in September 2023.

Before that, Parrish worked for NNGE from March 2014 to September 2023. His tenure with the enterprise lasted nine years and seven months.

Parrish joined the NNGE as COO in 2014, less than six years after the enterprise opened its first casino. He was selected as CEO in 2017 after serving as acting CEO following former interim CEO Derrick Watchman’s placement on administrative leave in September 2016.

Bentley Price Associates, an executive search and recruiting firm for the hospitality and casino gaming industry, remembered Parrish in a June 3 post written by Dennis P. Rizzo, the firm’s president and CEO.

The firm cited Parrish’s work in tribal gaming and his leadership in major gaming enterprises, expansion projects and team development. The remembrance described him as a colleague, mentor and friend who was known for his operational experience and professional approach.

Parrish also listed experience managing gaming, hospitality and other business operations, including resorts, convenience stores, refueling stations, RV parks, golf and country clubs, air charter operations, child care facilities, wastewater treatment plants, entertainment venues, retail operations, rodeo arenas and hunting programs.

His time with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise was the longest role listed.

Before joining NNGE, Parrish served as the CEO of the Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Casino from August 2009 to February 2014. He also served as principal executive officer of Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico, from January 2003 to July 2008.

“In 2020, Bentley Price Associates recognized Brian as one of our ‘Best of the Best’ leaders, an honor reserved for professionals whose character, leadership and industry contributions distinguish them among their peers,” Rizzo wrote.

Parrish studied political science at the University of Washington from 1981 to 1983, according to his profile.

Bentley Price Associates offered condolences to Parrish’s family, friends, colleagues and the communities he served.

“We are grateful to have recognized Brian as one of the very best in our industry, and we will remember him for the remarkable legacy of leadership he leaves behind,” Rizzo wrote.

In an April 8, 2025, interview with GamingAmerica, Parrish described why he continued working in tribal gaming after serving four tribes.

“It’s very gratifying to work in Indian Country because you can see who your shareholders are,” Parrish said. “You can see that the revenue you’re generating is going to build homes and provide education and food security and water security. And it’s vitally important.”

 

Published at 10:42 a.m. on June 7, 2026     Updated at 11:36 a.m. on June 7, 2026
A correction was made on June 7, 2026: An earlier version of this story misstated Brian D. Parrish’s title with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise from 2014 to 2023. Parrish joined the enterprise as chief operating officer in 2014 and was selected as CEO in 2017.

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