GLPI’s Board Expands with Film Producer Addition
GLPI (Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.), the real estate trust that owns 62 casino properties across the US, has recently announced the addition of a new member to its board of directors: Debra Martin Chase. GLPI is also known for selling and acquiring popular gambling platforms on the market.
Who is Debra Martin Chase?
Chase is a noteworthy addition to the board given her background, which is not in gambling or real estate but rather in film and television production for Hollywood.
Chase’s notable work includes The Princess Diaries, Just Wright, and the 1997 live-action adaptation of Cinderella starring Brandy.
She founded and currently acts as CEO of Entertainment Production for Martin Chase Productions. The company has had several major successes in cinemas and on television screens, grossing more than $500 million to date.
Chase’s Career History
Before forming her own company, Chase honed her skills and worked in the capacity of producer for other entertainment companies, including Whitney Houston’s Brown House Productions and Denzel Washington’s Mundy Lane Entertainment.
For her work, Chase has been awarded Tony Awards and a Peabody Award and has also been nominated for Emmys three separate times. Chase already sits on several boards across industries, including the boards of Bridge Investment Group Holdings, B&G Foods and Second Stage Theatre (Manhattan).
In the past, Chase was on the board of the New York City Ballet for a ten-year tenure and even founded a Diversity and Inclusion Committee there.
Why GLPI Has Brought in Chase
Her work as a producer was predated by her experience as a lawyer at various firms. It is perhaps this background that makes Chase a relevant prospect on many levels for GLPI’s board. She has proven herself as a person with a diverse skillset to bring to the table.
As well as being an independent director on the board, she will join its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The board now has a total of eight directors, thanks to Chase’s addition, which is already in effect.
The real estate trust’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Carlino, spoke about Chase’s role in a recent press release shared by GLPI, saying, “I am delighted to welcome Debra to our Board as we believe her extensive entertainment industry experience, impressive legal background and broad board experience across public companies and the arts will serve GLPI well as we continue to drive growth in shareholder value.”
He went on to state that Chase “brings a wealth of knowledge to GLPI, which we believe is a perfect complement to the existing strengths of the Board. I am confident that she will help expand the diverse set of viewpoints that ultimately shape our mission.”
How Long is Chase’s Appointment?
According to a statement from GLPI, Chase’s appointment will last until its next annual meeting of shareholders. Several things could cause her appointment to end early, including if a successor is nominated and fairly elected in the interim. It is unclear whether Chase’s appointment could be extended.