Accel Entertainment: A New Era of Compliance and Strategy

In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, Accel Entertainment has made a strategic move that could reshape its future. The appointment of Cheryl Kondra to its Board of Directors marks a significant shift towards enhanced compliance and strategic decision-making. Kondra, a veteran with over two decades of experience in the gaming sector, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that could prove invaluable for the company.

Kondra's career is a testament to her dedication and proficiency in the field. She has held key positions such as Vice President of Internal Audit and Chief Compliance Officer at Pinnacle Entertainment and Chief Audit Executive at Caesars Entertainment. These roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of the audit, compliance, regulatory, and legal issues that impact companies in the gaming sector. Her experience at Pinnacle Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment involved building strong teams to address these complex issues, which is crucial for Accel Entertainment in navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with industry standards.



Moreover, her current role as Vice President of Internal Audit at Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, demonstrates her ability to apply her expertise in a different industry context. This versatility is valuable for Accel Entertainment as it seeks to expand its operations and adapt to new market conditions. Cheryl Kondra's appointment to the Board of Directors of Galaxy Gaming, Inc. further underscores her strategic value. Mark Lipparelli, Chairman of Galaxy’s Board of Directors, highlighted her ability to exceed stakeholder expectations, stating, "She knows firsthand the expectations stakeholders have of companies serving the gaming industry, and she has helped some of the largest companies in the business to exceed those expectations." This endorsement from a industry leader validates her capability to bring material contributions to Accel Entertainment's strategic decision-making and risk management processes.

However, the appointment of a board member with a strong background in internal audit and compliance is not without its challenges. A heightened focus on compliance and audit could potentially lead to over-regulation within the company, stifling innovation and agility. While compliance is crucial, there is a risk that excessive focus on regulatory adherence could slow down decision-making processes and hinder the company's ability to adapt quickly to market changes.

Integrating a board member with a strong compliance background into the existing corporate culture could also be challenging. If the current culture is more risk-tolerant or less focused on regulatory compliance, there might be resistance to the changes proposed by the new board member. Cheryl Kondra's experience at Tractor Supply Company, a non-gaming industry, might also present a cultural shift that needs to be managed carefully.

Enhanced compliance and audit practices could require significant resources, including personnel and technology. This could strain the company's budget and divert resources away from other critical areas such as product development or marketing. Cheryl Kondra's experience in building strong teams to address audit and compliance issues suggests that she might advocate for increased investment in these areas.

In conclusion, the appointment of Cheryl Kondra to the Board of Directors of Accel Entertainment could bring significant benefits in terms of regulatory expertise, risk management, and stakeholder confidence. However, it also presents challenges related to potential over-regulation, cultural integration, and resource allocation. As Accel Entertainment navigates these complexities, the industry will be watching closely to see how this strategic move plays out. The gaming sector is no stranger to regulatory scrutiny, and Kondra's appointment could set a new standard for compliance and strategic decision-making in the industry.